Designer babies: Is genetic screening healthy or harmful?
Genetic testing company 23andMe recently patented a new testing system for parents conceiving a child with donor sperm. It screens for potential health risks built into the genetic code of donors - it can also screen for traits like eye and hair colour. The company says isn't planning to offer the new system to the public, but some bioethicists say...
Genetic testing company 23andMe recently patented a new testing system for parents conceiving a child with donor sperm. It screens for potential health risks built into the genetic code of donors - it can also screen for traits like eye and hair colour. The company says isn't planning to offer the new system to the public, but some bioethicists say it's still bad news. The Center for Genetics and Society says this type of screening "breathes new life into the spectre of eugenics." So is genetic screening a slippery slope or a step in the right direction? Western University's Dr. Jeffery Nisker and Dr. Lee Silver, co-founder of genetic testing company GenePeeks, join Brent to debate.