A genetic divider
 

 


Conrad: The possibility if population eugenics spreads is exactly why eugenics as a whole should not be allowed.  Those who want to pursue population eugenics may be able to do so either by encouraging those interested in individual genetic enhancement to pursue their individual goals, or, by efforts to control or change the overall reproductive behaviors of large numbers of people.  If a dictator wants to create a future population with a higher IQ, programs might be created to discourage people with low IQs from marrying.  The Chinese government passed a law to this effect in 1995 (Site 4).  The same goal can also be reached by discouraging people perceived as having poor genetic endowments from reproducing by changing welfare, housing and educational policies.  Individuals who are against population Eugenics may not even be aware that it is going on around them because a government may disguise the idea as individual eugenics.

 

A genetic divider
 

 


Promethia: Yet the availability of technology that would make these types of advances possible is right around the corner. All around the world, the orchestration of “gamete production” to recognize and do away with undesired characteristics, and the ability to slip genetic information directly into sperm or embryo are the substances of research.  “Embryo biopsy” is a procedure where cells are taken out of an embryo and cultured, and then the DNA is analyzed for a number of characteristics.  This, and other techniques like it are already being tested by a number of infertility clinics.  When these procedures are identified and polished, society will be technologically capable of choosing the biological endowments of their children, to give them the "best" possible start in life (Site 4).

 

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