As research into generic modification continues, many couples have expressed their interest in designing perfect, custom-order children in the womb. Trials have already begun on laboratory animals and, frankly, I think that this is a deplorable idea.
We as a species have enjoyed natural births for thousands of years, and we ought not trifle with processes we barely understand. As someone expecting a child myself, I just have to have faith that bundle of joy will be born with a clean bill of health, a strong jaw, and well-oiled Abrams tank treads.
Will I be disappointed if the pitter-patter will soon fill my home isn’t accompanied by the steady grinding of gears? Will that make this child any less of a miracle in my eyes? Of course it will, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t be endearing in their own way.
When you hand your offspring off on their eventual wedding day, will you be able to look them in the armoured turret knowing that a tiny machine had more influence on their development than you did?
Science’s role in our lives is growing but we shouldn’t rob our children of the choice to reject its incursions, no matter how badass they could be.
