Should Parents Be Able to Choose the Genes of Their Children? Malinda Gowin Danehower 1

Reasons for Choosing Genes Prevent disorders Choose superficial traits Culture Gender

Types of Genetic Disorders X-linked: the gene is connected to gender Autosomal: the gene is connected to a non-sex chromosome Recessive: there must be two copies of the gene for it to show Dominant: if there is one copy of the gene, it shows

Superficial Traits Available to Choose Hair color Eye color Skin color Tall stature* Superior intelligence* *are not guaranteed traits

Culture Some cultures value boys over girls. Given the choice, the parents in those countries would choose to have a male child opposed to a female child

PDG Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Embryos are tested before they are transplanted into the mother’s womb

Pros and Cons of PDG PROS Child is free of specific disease Child could be smart and successful CONS Expensive Rich can afford it Further split society