VERY VERY worrying

[poolking]

I think this mainly comes under moral implications, as Russ has sort of said, never toy with nature as it has a nasty habit of biting you in the ass.

I think morals in today's society are rare now unfortunately.

[King Blimp]

Personally I have no problem with the principle of genetic manipulation. If there is a process by which you can ensure a longer, heaththier life for your offspring then why shouldn't you want it for them.

As for interfering with the natural order, surely this happens every time we have a vaccination or operation allowing us to survive some medical catastrophy that a few centuries ago would have meant death.

[patrickp]

As I've already pointed out, using genetic manipulation to ensure a longer, healthier life is still a looong way from being possible, except in the few cases where we can remove a specific genetic disorder.

But it would be stupid to stick our heads in the sand and refuse to deal with it until it it _does_ become a possibility. And, as you said, KB, we accept the myriad of other medical benefits - in fact, we're probably much too ready to accept treatments that are sometimes more harmful than the malady.

[Stuart]

Originally posted by Russ D
How can chosing the sex of your child ever be 'medically reasonable'?

Surely it is justified if there is a hereditary disease in your family that is only passed through the genes of one gender (be it boy or girl).

Having said that, it should ONLY be allowed for medical reasons. It should not be open to choice.

It would cause problems in the world's population (a lot of races favour one gender over the other).

[The Diplomat]

Just going back to the point the woman makes though, what is the difference between her choosing the sex of her child at 3-5 days - or someone else waiting for a 16 week scan, finding out the sex of the unborn child, then having a termination if the child is not of the desired sex?

Why don't people just let nature take it's course, we all know when you have a child it's going to be a boy or a girl, whatever sex it is just prey to god it's going to be ok.

[Russ]

Originally posted by King Blimp
Personally I have no problem with the principle of genetic manipulation. If there is a process by which you can ensure a longer, heaththier life for your offspring then why shouldn't you want it for them.

As for interfering with the natural order, surely this happens every time we have a vaccination or operation allowing us to survive some medical catastrophy that a few centuries ago would have meant death.

Manipulation of a life even before it has been created is IMO a far cry from vaccination after it came in to being. Although children are our responsibility, surely we do NOT have the right to make such a big decision on their behalf. We do not have the right or moral ability to interfere with God's natural/Mother Nature's plans for us.

[fraz]

Originally posted by dellwear
Fraz, your not with the O.U. by any chance are you?

ummmmm, nope

[KingPhoenix]

Originally posted by Russ D
Manipulation of a life even before it has been created is IMO a far cry from vaccination after it came in to being. Although children are our responsibility, surely we do NOT have the right to make such a big decision on their behalf. We do not have the right or moral ability to interfere with God's natural/Mother Nature's plans for us.

I dont believe in mother nature or god.... so.... hmmm... lol

Anywayz... If mother nature / god created life... why is sexual intercourse necessary to produce pregnant women? Why arent there hundreds of virgins walking around pregnant?

Doesnt that make it the produce of two peoples hard work????

If you were to go out into your garden and build a shed, why couldnt you choose what size you wanted it? Afterall it is you putting all the hard work in to create it........

I.e. She is carrying the unborn around, she put in the hardwork to create it, why shouldnt she be able to choose which sex it is?

I hope that makes sense......

Personally when it comes to my time for a child (which shouldnt be too long i hope... ) i will not want to control anything about that child, unless medical reasons force otherwise. No matter what it is, i will love it as my creation... Not gods, not mother natures.... MINE!!!

[Russ]

So who/what do you think will 'give' you the child? Sex is a 'natural' act. Life is given to us through nature, it just depends on who you believe to be controlling that 'nature' - God, in my case.

[KingPhoenix]

i see your point russ, i really do....

I bet your one of those people that truly believes in fate?!?!? I'm not knocking anyone or anything if they do... that includes you russ..

I.e. if your meant to get hit by a bus then you will type of thing?!?

See i believe i am in control of my life... if i want to stay in bed i do, if i want to go out and get hammered i do, if i want to buy a new CD i do.... I am in control of anything i choose to do... There maybe consequences for my actions, but that is still my choice!!!!

See my point to this?

[kronas]

Originally posted by Nidge
Why don't people just let nature take it's course, we all know when you have a child it's going to be a boy or a girl, whatever sex it is just prey to god it's going to be ok.

i agree with the above we should not mess around with lives

[cjll3]

Originally posted by Russ D
Manipulation of a life even before it has been created is IMO a far cry from vaccination after it came in to being. Although children are our responsibility, surely we do NOT have the right to make such a big decision on their behalf. We do not have the right or moral ability to interfere with God's natural/Mother Nature's plans for us.

Did God not grant us freewill?

[King Blimp]

Originally posted by Russ D
Manipulation of a life even before it has been created is IMO a far cry from vaccination after it came in to being. Although children are our responsibility, surely we do NOT have the right to make such a big decision on their behalf. We do not have the right or moral ability to interfere with God's natural/Mother Nature's plans for us.

Sorry Russ, but I have to disagree with you on this one....

The success of genetic manipulation will result in a better quality of life for people. Nearly all diseases can potentially be cured. Cancer will be wiped out as cancer causing genetic defects will no longer be a problem.

As a result of genetic testing, risk prevention is also a benefit. If you find that you are genetically inclined to have a heart attack, You can reshape your habits around your genetic dispositions. Or, if you know that you have a recessive gene for a disease, You will know not to have a child by another person with that gene.

However, the fact that genetic information may one day become easily accessible leads to the scenario of genetic discrimination and violation of genetic privacy.

People may be judged and oppressed on the basis of genetic information as well as skin color. Why should I hire a man who has a genetic risk of developing heart disease? Why should I offer him insurance?

The potential for reward and for disaster are both great in this issue. I think that with sufficient regulation and responsibility, the benefits of genetic manipulation can far outweigh the drawbacks.

[Russ]

Originally posted by King Blimp
<snip>

I believe the problem with that way of thinking is the (IMO) foolish notion that just because we are the technologically dominant species, this give us the right to make up the rules as we go along.

The world is not ours. We are just tenants. Neither is the right to manipulate life. We do not control life, it is bigger than we ever will be. Whatever you believe in which created life, that is who/what makes such decisions.

Did God not grant us freewill?

Yes but he did not grant us the right to mess with HIS business.