Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 12/10/2007

Question
Im doing a Language Arts Project Called "Ethics Essay Assignment" I wanted to study and search about babies genetics and if you were in the hospital could you change your babies genetics? like give your baby blue eyes and blonde hair? or what? And i have to write the essay to 250-500 words. i have t define the issue, desribe the srguments on both sides of the issue, state my opinion on the issue, and support the opinion with research. And i need help please help than you lots. <3

Answer
Dear Cassidy,

We do not yet have the biotechnology to genetically engineer human babies' traits.  Many people think we should not even pursue such things, although it certainly would be a good thing if we could cure genetic diseases with genetic engineering.

People have ethical problems with changing human genes simply for appearance, since begs questions about what is the "best" look, suggests racism, etc.

I cannot write your essay for you, but I can suggest a few good sources that you can read to get some ideas about the pros and cons of human genetic engineering.  Just be sure not to plagiarize accidentally:  cite all your sources!

http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/GEessays/gedanger.htm

Hope that helps get you started.

Dana