• Question: Do you think that in the future testing for disabilities in eggs could go to far?

    Asked by Laura to Chris, Kay, Kerstin, Lorna, Liv on 16 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Kerstin Zechner

      Kerstin Zechner answered on 16 Mar 2010:

      Hey Laura, thanks for your question! I think in general it is a good idea, especially for genetic diseases where the child would only end up suffering and die at a young age. However, I think there should be limits to which diseases and characteristics are tested for. If people start deciding to abort babies because their hair will be blonde instead of brown, that’s definitely going too far!

    • Photo: Kay Penicud

      Kay Penicud answered on 16 Mar 2010:

      Hi Laura,
      I think that if properly regulated by the Government, then it won’t go too far.

      However, i think it is possible that it could go too far if not properly regulated. Science has huge amounts of potential, mostly good but some bad (the atomic bombs being particularly horrific examples). Thats why its so important that people (like yourself) think about science so that decisions can be taken by society as a whole, not just the odd slightly mad scientist.

      Personally, I am against the genetic screening of eggs for anything other than critical medical reasons. What do you think?

    • Photo: Olivia Hibbitt

      Olivia Hibbitt answered on 19 Mar 2010:

      Hi Laura,

      I think that this sort of thing is unlikely to happen! But yeah, I do agree, we have to decide where the line is! Testing for very serious genetic condtions that will leave someone very seriously ill is probably a good thing…..but other things like dyslexia or colour blindness are just natural human variations!

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