The Rise of ‘Designer Babies’: Silicon Valley’s Bold – and Controversial – Push for Genetic Enhancement
Like any proud fresh parents, Arthur Zey and Chase Popp believe their son, Dax, is perfect. But their path to parenthood, and their perspective on what makes a child “perfect,” diverges sharply from the norm. They didn’t simply hope for a healthy baby; they actively selected for traits, ushering in a new era of commercially available genetic screening and raising profound ethical questions.
From IVF to Embryo Selection: A New Frontier
Zey and Popp utilized preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) through Herasight, a company offering embryo screening for traits beyond the detection of genetic diseases. For a $50,000 fee, Herasight analyzes embryos created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), providing predictions for height, IQ, and risk factors for conditions like schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes. The couple chose an embryo predicted to have the best longevity and IQ scores.
“Looking at Dax, he overall seems like he feels good, he looks healthy to me,” Popp stated, embracing the label of “designer baby” with pride. Zey expressed a wish that his own parents had access to similar technology, envisioning potential enhancements like increased muscle mass.
A Growing Market Fueled by Silicon Valley Billionaires
The emergence of companies like Herasight and Preventive – backed by figures like Sam Altman of OpenAI and PayPal founder Peter Thiel – signals a growing market for genetic enhancement. Even as currently expensive, proponents believe costs will decrease as the technology matures. Preventive has raised $30 million for research into reproductive gene editing.
But, the science behind predicting complex traits remains contentious. Experts like Fyodor Urnov of the Innovative Genomics Institute caution that accurately predicting traits like intelligence is “near impossible,” given the interplay of multiple genes and environmental factors. Herasight’s research director, Jonathan Anomaly, defends the methodology, citing access to data from extensive human biobanks.
Echoes of ‘Gattaca’: A Dystopian Future?
The pursuit of genetic enhancement evokes the dystopian vision depicted in the 1997 film Gattaca, where a genetically stratified society divides individuals into “valids” and “in-valids.” Concerns are mounting that this technology could exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a divide between those who can afford genetic advantages and those who cannot.
The ethical implications extend beyond social stratification. Questions arise about who decides which traits are desirable, the potential for unintended consequences, and the risk of misuse by authoritarian regimes. Arthur Caplan, head of medical ethics at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, notes the focus of many involved is not societal benefit, but rather a desire to enhance a specific demographic: “Most of them are not concerned with what happens to you or me: they’re interested in what happens in Silicon Valley with their reproduction.”
Past Controversies and Future Regulations
The field is not without precedent. Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies sparked global outrage and led to his imprisonment. He, upon release, warned against using the technology for non-medical enhancements, labeling such efforts a “Nazi eugenic experiment.”
Currently, gene editing in embryos intended for birth is banned in the US. However, the legal landscape is evolving, and the debate over regulation is intensifying. The line between therapeutic gene editing (correcting disease-causing mutations) and enhancement (selecting for desirable traits) remains blurry.
The Debate Over ‘Eugenics’ and Individual Autonomy
The term “eugenics” is often invoked in discussions about genetic enhancement, triggering strong reactions. Anomaly argues against the gratuitous leverage of the term, emphasizing the principle of individual autonomy – the right of parents to make choices about their children’s genetic makeup. However, critics argue that even well-intentioned attempts to enhance traits can have unintended and harmful consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is PGT? Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a procedure used during IVF to screen embryos for genetic disorders or, increasingly, for desired traits.
- How much does embryo screening cost? Services like Herasight can cost around $50,000.
- Is gene editing legal? Gene editing for reproductive purposes is currently banned in the US, but regulations are evolving.
- What are the ethical concerns? Concerns include exacerbating social inequalities, unintended consequences, and the potential for misuse.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering IVF or PGT, consult with a qualified genetic counselor to understand the risks and benefits.
What are your thoughts on the future of genetic enhancement? Share your perspective in the comments below!
