“Eugenics” as typically considered is very different from human genetic enhancement of the type in which parents voluntarily select embryos to implant during IVF, as discussed in Bostrom and Shulman’s article “Embryo Selection for Cognitive Enhancement: Curiosity or Game Changer?”
Eugenics of the twentieth century was bad because it harmed people. Who is harmed when a mother voluntarily decides to select an embryo that is genetically predisposed to be healthier, happier or more intelligent? To prevent a mother from having the right to genetically enhance (engage in “eugenics”) would be coercion in reproduction.
Seeing as embryo selection can extend a child’s healthspan and mental well-being by selecting against schizophrenia/depression/etc., I think it is extraordinarly moral to support this practice even if it could correctly be called “eugenics.” I will stand on the side of less premature death and suffering even if it means I can be grouped with other bad “eugenicists” for rather tenous reasons.
“Eugenics” as typically considered is very different from human genetic enhancement of the type in which parents voluntarily select embryos to implant during IVF, as discussed in Bostrom and Shulman’s article “Embryo Selection for Cognitive Enhancement: Curiosity or Game Changer?”
Eugenics of the twentieth century was bad because it harmed people. Who is harmed when a mother voluntarily decides to select an embryo that is genetically predisposed to be healthier, happier or more intelligent? To prevent a mother from having the right to genetically enhance (engage in “eugenics”) would be coercion in reproduction.
Seeing as embryo selection can extend a child’s healthspan and mental well-being by selecting against schizophrenia/depression/etc., I think it is extraordinarly moral to support this practice even if it could correctly be called “eugenics.” I will stand on the side of less premature death and suffering even if it means I can be grouped with other bad “eugenicists” for rather tenous reasons.