Choosing Children: Genes, Disability, and Design (Uehiro Series in Practical Ethics)

Description

Genetic and reproductive technology now offers us the possibility of choosing what kinds of children we do and don't have. Should we welcome this power, or should we fear its implications? The renowned moral philosopher and best-selling author Jonathan Glover suggests how we should try to deal with this urgent problem. Surely parents owe it to their children to keep them free from disabilities? But there is a powerful new challenge from people who have these conditions: how do we justify trying to avoid bringing people like them into being? Jonathan Glover also examines the emotive idea of "eugenics," and the ethics of attempting to enhance people genetically for non-medical reasons. Should parents be free to choose, for instance, the color of their children's eyes or hair? What impact will such interventions have, both on the individuals concerned and on society as a whole? This beautifully clear book is written for anyone who is concerned about our human future.