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Recommended: The ethics of designer babies

A couple who undergo genetic engineering through IVF with PGD will have less financial burden throughout the child’s life span. But at the same time, the medical procedures involved are costly. Designer babies targets specific range of society whom can afford the procedures. According to Hersberger and Pierce (2011) the cost of IVF in the United States ranges from ten thousand to fourteen thousand US dollar per one cycle. Some couples need to undergo more than one cycle. Also, PGD cost ranges from two thousand five hundred to five thousand per cycle (Hersberger and Pierce, 2011). In addition, a couple has to pay for any medications needed during pregnancy. Base on the price range from the United States, a couple who wants to have a healthier child should spend at least nineteen thousand US dollar for one cycle of IVF with PGD alone. For those couple who are not successful for the first cycle, they will spend thirty eight thousand US dollar plus medication cost. The price given is only for IVF with PGD. The price of enhancing the traits of the baby has to be added. As a result, the service will not be affordable to all. Designer babies should not be allowed because as much as it reduces the financial strains of the parents throughout the child’s lifespan, the outright cost that the couple will spend throughout the procedure is costly.
Designer babies assist couples who have a high risk of transmitting severe hereditary disease to prevent transmission to their offspring. A designer baby however is a health risk to the mother and developing embryo. According to Hersberger and Pierce (2011) genetic modification is associated with IVF that has a risk for multiple gestations and preterm birth. Multiple gestations affect the health of ...

... middle of paper ...

...Designing Babies: Human Research Issues. IRB: Ethics & Human Research,
26(5), 1-8.
Hershberger, P. E., & Pierce, P. F. (2010). Conceptualizing couples’ decision making in PGD:
Emerging cognitive, emotional, and moral dimensions. Patient Education & Counseling,
81(1), 53-62. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.11.017

References
Benagiano, A., Pera, A., & Dallapiccola, B. (2000). Having a baby: a ‘gift from God’, or a custom-made purchase? Gynecological endocrinology: the official journal of the
International Society of Gynecological End, 14(3), 214-9.
Dresser, R. (2004). Designing Babies: Human Research Issues. IRB: Ethics & Human Research,
26(5), 1-8.
Hershberger, P. E., & Pierce, P. F. (2010). Conceptualizing couples’ decision making in PGD:
Emerging cognitive, emotional, and moral dimensions. Patient Education & Counseling,
81(1), 53-62. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.11.017

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