An advancement in genetic modification called the Crispr-Cas9 holds the power to end the progression of genetic disorders before they have the chance to run its course. Embryos are able to screened for abnormalities and then through gene editing are able to modify DNA and therefore prevent these diseases before the delivery.

A major point of debate that has arisen is the major health risks due to it being such a new technology. All the risks, both short term and long term, are not yet fully known. It is also controversial due to its ability to not only divert the path of genetic diseases, but also allow parents to create a “designer baby”, by changing its physical traits.

A baby in utero could be saved from a life threatening ailment, but those who have the money can also use it for more “shallow reasons”, as some naysayers say, such as having the color of their eyes or changed. It is also possible to have a genetic modification of intelligence. This brings up an important question on morality; is it wrong to change these more minor or unnecessary features? The fetus is not able to fully give full consent nor be able to revert these decisions in most cases.

It also would present a greater dichotomy in class. Because this procedure is such a new and expensive procedure, the demographic of those who opt for this screening and procedure will be vastly made up of those in the upper classes. Social class tensions would see a revival unless there was a push for this procedure to receive more government funding and be more accessible to the less fortunate.

The greatest argument in support is the fact that it can be revolutionary in terms of genetic disorders. It is time for the debate on designer babies to become more prominent and serious amongst not only bioethicists and scientists but also the general public.