Introduction
Technological developments in genetics have revolutionized procreation by allowing parents to choose the most intelligent genes for their offspring. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is employed by geneticists to detect chromosomal abnormalities (Savulescu, 2001).
Discussion
PGD is beneficial to parents who prefer in vitro fertilization (IVF) since it allows them to determine traits such as hair color or eye color (Savulescu, 2001). Procreative beneficence is a principle that is applied, allowing parents to select genes that suit their desired characteristics such as intelligence and sex. While procreative beneficence enhances the avoidance of child abnormalities, sex selection increases social inequality.
Procreative beneficence is a useful principle in reproduction, IVF, and decision-making. According to Savulescu (2001, p. 415), “Couples should select the child, of the possible children they could have, who is expected to have the best life, or at least as good a life as the others, based on the relevant, available information”. The parents must critically evaluate the genetic characteristics presented before them, and choose one that would most likely promote the well-being of the unborn child. Selection based on medical traits can save the parents the costs and pain of raising a severely disabled child. According to Field (2016, para.19), “three out of four people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with a family member.” However, the pain that goes with providing care for such a child with a disability is unmatched (Field, 2016, para.13).
Objection
Despite its benefits in saving parents and children from such pain, procreative beneficence can be detrimental to social equality. Respect for human rights including social equality is crucial for economic and community growth and development. Sex selection is one of the major arguments against the principle since it is ethically problematic (Savulescu, 2001).
Conclusion
Selecting the trait propagates and reinforces sexism where one gender is prejudiced and discriminated against its natural character. Therefore, procreative beneficence can encumber uniform social growth where everyone is treated equally.
References
Field, G. (2016). Should parents of children with severe disabilities be allowed to stop their growth? The New York Times. Web.
Savulescu, J. (2001). Procreative beneficence: Why we should select the best children. Bioethics, 15(5-6), 413–426. Web.