Brave New Babies

"Brave New Babies" is an interesting section in Newsweek. In virtro fertilization is controversial topic leaving many questioning morality along with religious aspects. The cost averages at $18,480 plus any travel expenses. "After 25 years of staggering advances in reproduction medicine--first testtube babies, then donor eggs and surrogate mothers-techonology is changing babymaking in a while new way" (46). Conception is no longer a spectacular and miraculous experience but takes place in a laboratory. Many people are divided on this issue. "The Science of Sex Selection" discusses three methods for reproductive techonology and also gives public perception. Embryo testing to choose gender 28% approve while 68% disapprove. Embryo testing for genetic testing 74% approve while 22% disapprove. This information shows how more people tend to agree with testing for genetic diseases rather than simply choosing the sex of their baby. If people continue to use technology, birth will no longer be a miracle. There is also the question of whether or not choosing the sex of a baby will lead to sex discrimination.

"No Girls, Please" discusses the idea of sex discrimination. In different Asian countries discrimination against females is shown through abortion of female fetuses. "Meanwhile experts estimate that 30,000 Korean female fetuses are aborted annually" (50). Asian countries have high populations and in some places over population however 30,000 fetuses able to grow and live because of their sex.

"The Ancient Art of Making Babies" shows what distance certain people will go in order to conceive the sex of their choice. Different sexual positions at conception, diets, timing, temperature, ect are said to give a better chance of producing a girl or boy. It seems crazy at some length people will go in order to have a certain sex. Birth and reproduction is an amazing and miraculous thing, it shouldn't be corrupted by advancing technology. I understand there are different reasons for embryo testing but spending a chunk of savings in order to choose the gender of your future family member seems like a waste. Not to mention the time spent on this type of advancement that could be spent in other fields, or helping people that really need it; such as avoiding genetic diseases in future children.