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.

Use the menu to the left or the links below to explore this module.

• By clicking on Moderator and Panelists, you will be introduced to the professionals and scholars who discussed this very important topic at Virginia Tech in March 1999.
  
  
• Video Excerpts will link you first to a brief Tutorial to provide background information on the science of genetic manipulation and genetic enhancement. Then, continue by viewing a Dramatic Performance screened by the moderator, panelists, and audience members to provide a framework for the discussion at the 'Designer Children' forum. Finally, watch the Main Session by viewing a series of questions posed by the moderator and audience members at the forum — and the reponses of the panelists. Need a Glossary?
  
  
• Want to participate in a discussion with other people who have viewed the materials and are energetically thinking about the issue of genetic enhancement? Click on Discussion Topics to link to a public bulletin board and additional resources on the topic, such as a Reading List and Related Websites.
  
  
• News will provide updated information about this topic.
  
  
• Materials and information developed for:
  
  
  • Humanities, Science & Technology Classrooms
  • Virginia Tech Alumni
  • Continuing Medical Education Credits
  • Your K-12 Classroom
    
    

  Click on these links or use the tabs at the top of this webpage to navigate our site.

** Designer Children Module Activities for HST classrooms **

• Have a question? Email the module designer. Please also send comments and suggestions.

Transcripts of all video segments are available.

Enjoy!

Choices and Challenges Project
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Virgina Tech, Mail Code: 0227
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Phone: 540 231-6476 Fax: 540 231-7013
Email: choices@vt.edu