For the past several years, a small but influential network of established scientists, bioethicists, and authors has been working to convince people that reproductive cloning and inheritable genetic modification should not be banned. Some argue that these technologies should be allowed because their use will benefit society. Others argue that regardless of their social implications they should be allowed as matters of individual choice. Still others argue that they will be developed and used regardless of whether or not they are made illegal and that we should accept them rather than try to stop them.
These mainstream advocates and enablers of the new techno-eugenics have figured prominently in discussions of inheritable genetic modification and cloning at professional conferences, on government and private panels, and in the media.
Engineering the Human Germline conference (1998) -
http://research.mednet.ucla.edu/pmts/germframe.htm
This one-day symposium organized by UCLA professors Gregory Stock and John Campbell marked the beginning of the active campaign to promote inheritable germline modification (IGM). It was attended by nearly 1,000 people and received extensive media coverage. Stock has emerged as the most active promoter of the new techno-eugenic agenda and serves as a bridge between the mainstream scientific community and the transhumanists.
- Notable quotes from the participants in the UCLA conference
at
[ Analysis >> Encouraging Public Acceptance of the New Eugenics >> Engineering the Human Germline Participants ] - Gregory Stock's web site,
http://research.mednet.ucla.edu/pmts/default.htm - A list of Stock's speaking and media engagements: http://research.mednet.ucla.edu/pmts/lectures.htm
Remaking
Eden: How Cloning and Beyond will Change the Human Family, Lee
Silver (Avon, 1998)
Princeton biologist Lee Silver was among the first to champion reproductive cloning and IGM technologies and to couple this with a libertarian social and political philosophy. In his book and in numerous media appearances, he argues that a future in which humanity segregates into genetically engineered sub-species, the "GenRich" and the "Naturals," is "inevitable…whether we like it or not."
Children of Choice: Freedom and the New
Reproductive Technologies, John Robertson (Princeton University
Press, 1994)
University of Texas law school professor John Robertson
introduced "procreative liberty" as a legal and ethical principle
that argues against prohibitions on reproductive cloning and IGM. In
2001, while serving as acting chair of the American Society of
Reproductive Medicine's Ethics Committee, he issued a statement
saying that the use of pre-implantation screening to achieve "gender
balance" was now ethically acceptable. After protests, the ASRM
repudiated Robertson's statement.
[ Newsletter
>> Archive >> Issue #20 ]
The new
eugenics as a "social justice" imperative
In From Chance to Choice: Genetics and Justice by Allen Buchanan, Dan W. Brock, Norman Daniels and Daniel Wikler (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), four American bioethicists assert that individuals should not be prohibited from creating genetically enhanced children. They go on to argue that since this practice will likely create dramatic inequities, public policies should be adopted that make IGM freely available to all.
For a review of the book that accepts its premise of the inevitability of human germline engineering, see Martha C. Nussbaum, "Brave Good World," The New Republic (December 4, 2001) http://www.thenewrepublic.com/120400/nussbaum120400_print.html
IGM advocacy within the World Health Organization
At the 2001 World Health Assembly in Geneva numerous health ministers called for a global ban on inheritable genetic modification. Less than one year later, advocates of IGM appeared to have secured influential roles within the World Health Organization. The 2002 WHO report on genomics and world health (http://www3.who.int/whosis/genomics/genomics_report.cfm) says:
| "If extensive animal studies were to show that [germline modification] is effective, it is difficult to see why it would raise major ethical issues if used to eradicate a lethal disease from a family; some would not even rule out the possibility of germ-line enhancement in the future" (Chapter 8, section 8, page 24). |
Related Articles
John Robertson's endorsement of pre-implantation sex
selection. Gina Kolata, "Fertility Ethics Authority Approves Sex
Selection, " The New York Times (September 28, 2001)
Resources
>> Items >> "Fertility Ethics Authority Approves Sex
Selection"
Resources
>> CGS >> Letter to American Society for Reproductive
Medicine Regarding Sex Selection
"New Advocacy of Inheritable Genetic Modification,"
Genetic Crossroads (# 27, December 17, 2002)
Newsletter
>> Archive >> Issue #27
"'Designer Baby' Advocate Gregory Stock Gives Keynote at
Biotechnology Investment Conference," Genetic Crossroads
(#25, October 25, 2002)
Newsletter
>> Archive >> Issue #25
Gina
Maranto, "Deoxyribonucleic Acid Trip." New York Times (August
25, 2002)
Resources
>> Items >> "Deoxyribonucleic Acid Trip"
More Information
Perspectives:
Explore various communities' concerns regarding human genetic
technologies
Policies:
Read about existing and potential regulations
Technologies:
Learn the basic science and consider arguments for and against
Date modified: