Babies by Design: The Ethics of Genetic Choice

From Publishers Weekly
In his latest, Dartmouth College bioethicist Green (The Human Embryo Research Debates) embraces a vision of future parenthood bound to stir controversy, arguing that parents will, and should, give children the advantage of more "attractive physical features." Starting with the assumption that "we are entering the era of directed human evolution," he suggests that coming methods of in vitro fertilization will allow parents to genetically pre-select babies, not only to eliminate diseases like cystic fibrosis, but to promote what he calls "cosmetico-genomics." Scenario in place, Green explores a number of racially-charged hypotheticals: "Will dark-skinned African American parents choose to have lighter-skinned children?" Will Jewish parents use genetic rhinoplasty to change a "Jewish nose"? Will Asian-Americans "westernize" their children's eyes? Green answers that parents are right to reduce the unfair but very real social burdens facing their offspring, and dismisses objections as "status quo bias." Although he's peppered his argument with disclaimers that his vision would not reopen the door to the eugenics movements (the kind that underpinned Nazi Germany's genocidal master plan), readers may come away unconvinced; either way, this provoking book provides a rare, cogent look at the "plusses" of genetically enhanced offspring.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Review
"Green has actively engaged the topic of genetic engineering by not only providing the latest science, but by presenting arguments with all their attendant emotional baggage. The combination is a powerful one, but comes off exceptionally well."-Eric M. Meslin, Indiana University Center for Bioethics (Eric M. Meslin )

"Not only is Green's scholarship rock-solid, he is also the most balanced and thoughtful of the many analysts in this area-neither an avid supporter who believes in science above all, nor an arch conservative who would take us back to the dark ages."-Dean H. Hamer, molecular biologist and author of The Science of Desire, Living with Our Genes and The God Gene (Dean H. Hamer )

"Green presents ethical positions and arguments in the context of modern thought, and in a language that will be accessible to scholars, scientists and lay-people."-Lee Silver, Princeton University (Lee Silver )

"With his close and sound attention to the relevant science and his attention to the relevant religious, ethical, and policy perspectives and debates, Green has offered a well-integrated set of arguments that can serve to educate and guide students in courses in college and policy makers alike."-James F. Childress, John Allen Hollingsworth Professor of Ethics, Institute for Practical Ethics and Public Life, University of Virginia (James F. Childress )

"This is a brilliant and provocative book by one of the top-and most visionary-bioethicists in the world. It takes us into the era of directed human evolution, which may soon redefine people's relationships, capabilities, and even our concepts of freedom and justice."-Robert Lanza, Vice President of Research and Scientific Development at Advanced Cell Technology (Robert Lanza ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.