Designer Babies Now a Reality: Parents Choose Genes

Parents Arthur Zey and Chase Popp selected an embryo for their son Dax based on genetic predictions for traits like height and IQ, embracing the emerging field of commercial eugenics. Companies such as Herasight are providing genetic screening services, analyzing embryos for various markers for a significant cost.

This practice has sparked intense ethical debates, with experts questioning the reliability of predicting complex traits like intelligence and raising concerns about exacerbating societal inequalities. The technology, partly funded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, draws parallels to dystopian science fiction scenarios.

Past events, like Chinese scientist He Jiankui's controversial gene-edited babies in 2018, highlight the ethical minefield. While gene editing for medical purposes to eradicate hereditary diseases is established, the pursuit of 'baby improvement' faces strong academic skepticism and warnings against 'Nazi eugenic experiments.'

Despite regulatory bans in many countries on editing genes in embryos for reproductive purposes, companies continue research. They claim medical aims, but critics argue the sole purpose is enhancement, posing technical and moral risks for future generations.