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Recommended: Ethical issues in genetic engineering

As modern technology continues to thrust forward, people are increasingly wondering which doors to open and which to leave closed. One of these technologies is a process called preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGD. This technique is used to indentify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy. One would assume that this is a seemingly positive step towards alleviating inherited illnesses. Others say that this type of genetic revolution is like opening Pandora’s Box. People have been known to go to great lengths to conceive a child. When push comes to shove, people will take advantage of whatever technology is available to produce offspring. However, who should regulate such technology? There has always been a fine line between church and state. PGD needs to be regulated and monitored because of the highly ethical conundrums it produces.

Let’s look at in vitro fertilization, also known as the “in glass” baby technique. In a small hospital located in Oldham, Lancashire on July 25, 1978, baby Louise Joy Brown was born. She was born after her parents, Leslie and John Brown had spent nine years trying to conceive without any success. They had been referred to Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards in 1976. On November 10, 1977, Leslie Brown, underwent the very experimental procedure of IVF. Dr. Steptoe took and egg from Mrs. Brown using a laparoscope and Dr. Edwards then mixed Leslie’s egg with husband Jon’s sperm. Once fertilized, the egg is placed in a special solution while the cells divide, and then placed back into Leslie’s womb. It is safe to say that people will go to great lengths such as being a part of an experimental procedure which includes hormonal injections and a ...

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Faison, Amanda M. "The Miracle of Molly." 5280 Denver's Magazine. Aug. 2005. Web.

Gosden, R. G. Designing Babies: the Brave New World of Reproductive Technology. New York: W.H. Freeman, 1999. Print.

Lemonick, Michael, Alice Park, and David Bjerklie. "Designer Babies - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 11 Jan. 1999. Web. 21 June 2010.

My Sister's Keeper. Dir. Nick Cassavetes. Perf. Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. New Line Cinema, 2009. Film.

Silver, Lee M. Challenging Nature: the Clash of Science and Spirituality at the New Frontiers of Life. New York: Ecco, 2006. Print.

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