•  Natural selection: The removal of “weak” traits from the population; typically by disease, predation, or failure to acquire a mate.


• Artificial Selection: The removal of “weak” traits from the population as determined by humans.  

 Clearly no one wants their children to be stupid, physically unhealthy, or emotional inept. Ask any new parent what their aspirations are for their new born and the answer is always the same. We will love them no matter what the outcome. This well meaning statement has always been based on the unfortunate reality that when it came to children – the hand of fate dealt the cards and the parents had no control over the consequences. Tall or Short and Fat or Thin; other than the selection of a “best fit mate”, the physical, mental, and emotional aspect of our children are beyond our control.

Well – maybe not anymore. With the cracking of the genetic code and a clear understanding of the mechanism of gene expression it is possible to identify genetic faults in our offspring before their birth. Such concerns as:  Will the fetus inherit the gene for hemophilia or sickle cell anemia? or Will the child grow into a pituitary dwarf or suffer from schizophrenia later in their lives?  - important question to which the answers have an enormous impact on the child's quality of life. In time, it is very likely that we can intercede to prevent such outcomes by simply “correcting” these genetic errors. “Cheat the hand of fate” – “Defy random chance outcomes”– “Intervene in the will of the Gods”;  by defining the path of heredity that ensures our child has the best “qualities” that our genetic engineers can provide. Is this a good thing? Is it ethical or moral to handpick your child’s genetic blueprint? Do we have the wisdom to second guess what many have accepted as God’s intent? Is the desire of every parent that their child get the very best opportunities going too far when it comes to hand picking their genes? All legitimate questions that will very likely be faced by parents in the not so distant future.

 Most parents do everything in their power to insure the success of their children. We provide them with the best education, the best health care, and numerous other opportunities to increase their chances for happiness and success. Should we not also seek to provide them with the best genes?

Please write a 400-word essay outlining your position on Designing Your Child.