Designing the ideal child through DNA editing, i.e. "gene editing" or "designing the baby", involves modifying the DNA at the embryonic stage using technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 to select or alter the genetic characteristics of the future child. Developments in this field have opened up unprecedented possibilities for the prevention and development of genetic diseases, but they have also raised a series of ethical and moral challenges.
(1) Ethical dilemmas
1.The intervention of the natural evolution of man
The application of gene editing technology may interfere with the natural evolutionary process of human beings. By selectively editing the DNA of embryos, we may inadvertently interfere with the mechanisms of natural selection, triggering long-term biological consequences and impacts on human diversity.
2.Reduction in genetic diversity
Designing babies can lead to a societal preference for specific genetic traits, which in turn reduces human genetic diversity. This genetic homogeneity may increase a population's vulnerability to specific diseases.
(2) Ethical challenges
1.Equity and social inequality
The high cost of gene-editing technology may make it affordable only for wealthy families, exacerbating social inequality. Wealthy individuals can choose desirable genetic traits for their offspring, while economically disadvantaged families do not enjoy the benefits of these technologies.
2.Infant rights
Designing babies raises questions about embryonic choice and the baby's autonomy in the future. Babies are unable to make choices about whether or not to be gene-edited before they are born, which raises controversy about whether an individual's right to choose in the future is violated.
(3) Social and cultural impact
1.The quest for perfection
Unrealistic expectations of the "perfect" child can be formed, which not only puts pressure on parents, but can also have a negative impact on the child's mental health. In addition, for those children who are not gene-edited, they may feel the differences and inequalities with the edited children.
2.Ambiguity of moral standards
As technology evolves, today's ethical boundaries may be challenged by tomorrow's practices. In the absence of a globally harmonized regulatory framework, the acceptance and ethics of gene editing in different cultures and societies may vary widely, further complicating moral and ethical discussions.
(4) Legal and policy challenges
To address these ethical and moral challenges, strict laws and policies are needed to regulate the use of gene editing technology. This includes ensuring the safety and effectiveness of technology, protecting the rights of infants, and providing equitable access to technology. In addition, there is a need for international cooperation to establish common ethical standards and regulatory frameworks to address cross-border technology applications and ethical challenges.
Article**: Bird Ash).