Get Ready for Unintentional Slavery
A gene mapping test that can test embryos for almost any inherited disease could be available in the UK within a year, say researchers.
Unlike current tests doctors do not need to know the specific gene mutation involved.
At the same time embryos can be tested to check they are generally in good genetic shape.
Experts say there will have to be strict limits on what the test can be used for.
Professor Tony Ruthford, chair of the British Fertility Society said the test would be more reliable although admitted such technology was opening a "Pandora's box".
Link BBC
Unlike current tests doctors do not need to know the specific gene mutation involved.
At the same time embryos can be tested to check they are generally in good genetic shape.
Experts say there will have to be strict limits on what the test can be used for.
Professor Tony Ruthford, chair of the British Fertility Society said the test would be more reliable although admitted such technology was opening a "Pandora's box".
Link BBC
-Ted Kaczynski's "Unnamed Essay (1971)
By way of a further example, let us consider genetic engineering. This will not come into use as a result of a conscious decision by the majority of people to introduce genetic engineering. It will begin with certain "progressive" parents who will voluntarily avail themselves of genetic engineering opportunities in order to eliminate the risk of certain gross physical defects in their offspring. Later, this engineering will be extended to include elimination of mental defects and treatment which will predispose the child to somewhat higher intelligence. (Note that the question of what constitutes a mental "defect" is a value-judgement. Is homosexuality, for example, a defect? Some homosexuals would say "no." But there is no objectively true or false answer to such a question.)
