March 1999

Babies made to order. Parents picking the particular traits they want in their children. Is this possible?

New genetic-engineering procedures now permit human genes to be identified and transferred. These procedures are being developed to cure disorders and correct serious childhood health problems. But they could also be used, before birth or during infancy, to endow healthy children with traits they would not otherwise possess or to enhance the ones they do. The possibilities go beyond changing physical appearance (height and build). They might include intelligence, athletic skills, personality, and behavior.

Is it desirable — or even acceptable — to create the ideal child through genetic technology? And who decides what "ideal" means?

This Choices and Challenges forum held on March 25, 1999 examined the ethical, social, and public policy concerns associated with the upcoming ability to redesign children.