This document discusses designer babies and arguments against them. It begins with background on genetics and the Human Genome Project. It then presents four arguments against designer babies: they do not use the parents' genes; it is unnatural and risks are unknown; health problems could occur in the baby; and it could lead to attempts to create "perfect" people and undermine diversity. The conclusion is that designer babies are unethical and against the laws of nature.

1. Designer BabiesConsBy Michael Clements and James Gallagher

2. Basic Principles of Genetics A recessive allele is masked when a dominate allele is present.Co-dominance is a condition where 2 alleles are present but neither are dominate nor recessive.The alleles of a Punnett square help determine the different allele combinations that can be passed to an offspring. Each parent passes 23 chromosomes, which together make an offspring. Here is an example of a Punnett square.

3. Human Genome Project1.) The Human Genome Project started in 1990 by Robert Sinsheimer. It was developed to provide a complete and accurate sequence of DNA base pairing.2.) One result of the Genome Project was to map certain genes so people could calculate the odds of having a condition if they carried a specific gene. People could be more cautious and pro-active with their health. They could go to a genetic counselor and learn more about the condition they might develop.

4. Human Genome Project 23.) GINA was a law that was passed because of the Human Genome Project. The law states that health insurance companies cannot discriminate against a person or deny them coverage because they have a genetic trait for a disease.

5. 1.) A single gene disorder is when there is a specific gene that has a mutation. This usually runs in a family. A chromosome abnormality is when an individual chromosome is missing in a pair or there are too many chromosomes. Multi-factor disorders are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.Genetic Disorders

6. 2.) Genetic counseling can help parents prepare themselves to for the possibility of having a child with a genetic disorder. One way to find out if your child is at risk is by using pedigree.3.) In a karyotype, chromosomes are arranged and numbered by size from smallest to largest. This helps scientists quickly identify chromosomes that may have a genetic disorder. Genetic Disorders 2

7. Argument 1AgainstDesigner BabiesDesigner babies are created by selecting genes from anonymous people and not using the parents’ genes. The parents select the characteristics they would like to have in a child and have those genes selected for their baby. Approximately 5 years ago the term designer baby was made for science fiction books and movie -- not real life.

8. Another negative impact to this issue is that, in our opinion, we should not selectively change nature and perform risky experiments to try to create the perfect person. If you change the ways of nature, it might be harmful in ways that have not been thought about. "I think it's very important that we not bury our head in the sand and pretend these advances are not happening.” Dr. Steinberg said.Argument 2Against Designer Babies

9. There could be a risk that the designer baby might have serious health problems. Would the parents kill the baby if it had a problem and was not perfect? Would the parents want another baby that even better than the first? You would not look like your parents because your genes would come from strangers and there would not be a family resemblance. Argument 3Against Designer Babies

10. Everyone would try to have a smarter, faster, more beautiful child if selecting traits were possible. Hitler thought that the perfect race should have blonde hair and blue eyes. What would happen if society decided to make everyone one way? Would they kill someone who was not like them? Would there be room for someone differentWould we then clonethe perfect person?This is wrong.Argument 4Against Designer BabiesX

11. The bottom line is designer babies are just not ethical. They could have physical problems or unknown traits could surface later in the person’s life. Being able to choose the perfect traits is against the laws of nature. Designer babies are like dolls where you select the perfect combination. Conclusion

12. "Designer Babies - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Web. 19 Mar. 2011. <http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,17696,00.html>.

13. Keim, Brandon. "Designer Babies: A Right to Choose? | Wired Science | Wired.com." Wired.com. Web. 19 Mar. 2011. <http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/designerdebate/>.Work Cited