designer baby
Trait-selected offspring
A designer baby is a child whose genetic characteristics have been selected or modified before birth, typically through embryo screening or gene editing.
The term is usually pejorative, suggesting parents treating children as customizable products: Critics warn that designer babies could widen inequality.
The concept raises ethical debates about genetic enhancement versus therapeutic intervention.
Moral philosophy for medicine
- eugenicsControlled human reproduction theory
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- commodificationTransforming into sellable goods
- playing GodUsurping divine authority
genetic discrimination · slippery slope · inequality · autonomy · human dignity · selection · parental choice · informed consent
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- gene editingTargeted DNA alteration
- in vitro fertilizationLaboratory-assisted reproduction
- genetic screeningTesting DNA for abnormalities
- genomicsStudy of entire genetic sequences
bioengineering · reproductive technology · genetic modification · stem cells · gene therapy · recombinant DNA · embryo · IVF
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- eye colorPigmentation of iris
- heightVertical extent upward
- disease resistanceCapacity to repel illness
- appearanceOutward visible form
cognitive enhancement · physical traits · optimization · customization · perfection · talent · longevity · immunity
Tech-augmented evolution philosophy
- genetic engineeringDeliberate DNA modification
- posthumanBeyond human limitations
- science fictionSpeculative fiction with technological themes
- dystopiaImaginary terrible society
utopia · Brave New World · bioprinting · life extension · human enhancement · cybernetics · speculative · future generations
bioethics
Moral philosophy for medicine
- eugenicsControlled human reproduction theory
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- commodificationTransforming into sellable goods
playing God · genetic discrimination · slippery slope · inequality · autonomy · human dignity · selection · parental choice · informed consent · regulation
CRISPR
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- gene editingTargeted DNA alteration
- in vitro fertilizationLaboratory-assisted reproduction
- genetic screeningTesting DNA for abnormalities
genomics · bioengineering · reproductive technology · genetic modification · stem cells · gene therapy · recombinant DNA · embryo · IVF · fertility clinic
intelligence
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- eye colorPigmentation of iris
- heightVertical extent upward
- disease resistanceCapacity to repel illness
appearance · cognitive enhancement · physical traits · optimization · customization · perfection · talent · longevity · immunity · health optimization
transhumanism
Tech-augmented evolution philosophy
- genetic engineeringDeliberate DNA modification
- posthumanBeyond human limitations
- science fictionSpeculative fiction with technological themes
dystopia · utopia · Brave New World · bioprinting · life extension · human enhancement · cybernetics · speculative · future generations · technological progress
designer, baby, design, designs, designed, designing, redesign, redesigned, babies