Leading the world in designer babies. Brave New Britain comes a step closer
By Philippa Taylor, TCW:
There will be a number of individuals who will be absolutely delighted to hear that UK scientists are likely to be allowed to engineer genetically human embryos in the lab for the first time, using a powerful and efficient new technology. John Harrisand Julian Savulescu have maintained for years that would-be parents are morallyobligated to make genetic interventions on embryos and create designer children:‘The human genome is not perfect…It’s ethically imperative to positively support this technology.’
They are not alone. There is publicity and kudos for the scientists heading groundbreaking new research, which in turn attracts the funding to roll in (not something the British like to mention but as one of the American discoverers of the new techniques says in New Scientist, ‘there is money involved, whether I like it or not.’). In Brave New Britain, we are becoming known for leading the world in the latest controversial scientific developments, research and therapies for the sick, bravely forging a path that few others are following.
It is that last point that should ring some alarm bells. Not only do very few scientists around the world support this planned use of the new technology (even the two scientists who first developed it!), but most countries that have legislated on it, have banned it.
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
