"Babies by Design? The Ethics of Gene Enhancement"

Professor, Ronald M. Green delivered the lecture "Babies by Design? The Ethics of Gene Enhancement," at Indiana University Bloomington on February 23, 2006. At Dartmouth College Dr. Green is a professor of religion and director of the Institute for the Study of Applied and Professional Ethics. He also teaches bioethics and reproductive ethics in Dartmouth's school of medicine.

The lecture was recorded by CATS (Community Access Television Station) of Bloomington. The audio stream was produced by the IU Division of Broadcast and Electronic Media.

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• Opening remarks
  "My mission is to trouble you."
  Concept of babies by design
  Intervention at the level of the DNA and of our genes
  
• Gene transfer research
  
• "The first (question) concerns the movement from what is known as somatic cell gene transfer to germ line gene transfer therapies."
  Difference between treatment of disease and enhancement Discussion of dividing line Science fiction story
  
• Arguments for germ line changes at the embryonic or sex cell level
  
• Genetic change through technologies
  
• "Let's take a look at our second question: the treatment of disease versus genetic enhancement."
  Improved teeth
  Obesity
  Athletes and athletic ability
  Increasing intelligence
  
  
• Leading ethic objections to the category called "pure enhancements"
  Safety issue
  Positional advantage
  Absolute advantage
  Haves vs. have-nots
  "the gene rich and the naturals"
  
• Three Options
  So what?
  Prohibition?
  "Provide basic enhancements to everyone on an equal basis"
  
• Absence of consent
  Impact on family and the meaning of parenthood
  
• Conclusion