WASHINGTON (RNS)—Scientists already know which genes are responsible for particular illnesses, and clinical trials are under way to find new treatments for genetically based diseases. But, ethicists ask, what if this newfound genetic knowledge is used not only to cure, but also to enhance physical and mental capabilities—and enable parents to select traits of their children?
“Aiming at giving our kids a competitive edge in a consumer society—that, in principle, is a goal that is limitless,” said Harvard University professor Michael Sandel, a member of the President's Council on Bioethics.
“There is no end. In fact, one can imagine a kind of hormonal arms race, or genetic race—whether it's to do with height, or IQ—conceivably in the future.”
In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of human growth hormone for healthy children who have no defined cause for their short stature.
“The decision was controversial because there were a lot of people who felt that this was cosmetic treatment,” said Paul Kaplowitz of the Children's National Medical Center in Washington. “If I see those children, I simply say, ‘This is not an appropriate use of growth hormone.'“
Sandel, too, said he supports the use of new biotechnologies to cure illness, but he strongly opposes its use for enhancement.
“My argument is that there is a moral difference between intervention for the sake of health, to cure or prevent disease, and intervention for the sake of achieving a competitive edge for our kids,” Sandel said.
Technologies also are moving forward that one day may allow parents to pre-select various traits in their children, including personality or temperament. Sandel opposes both sex selection and procedures to select personality traits of children.
“The norm of unconditional parental love, I think, depends on the fact that we don't pick and choose the traits of our children in the way that we pick and choose the features of a car we might order.”