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Steve's avatar

Nothing new. It’s a “enhanced” selection process. This is being done by couples who are already having an issue conceiving. After paying for the selection, there is no guarantee that the embryo will become viable. I remember a conversation with a mom to be years ago about having the Amniocentesis test. She declined. Her statement was even if the test came back with a possibility of a defect, she would have done nothing. It’s a genetic crap shoot. Trying to “stack” the dice usually ends in disaster.

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Matthew Harris's avatar

I tend to agree but think the founder said it best, this is opt in and some people won't want to opt in. But they shouldnt be able to stop people who want to opt in

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Vicki's avatar

Very insightful and fascination article & software, but scary at the same time. Selective embryo options to result in the perfect child sounds a bit like entitlement but still rolling the dice as like everything in this world, nothing is truly perfect! It’s not an exact science which may lead to disappointment. Be careful what you wish for! Brave New World or was it 1984, or Animal Farm? Playing God regarding offspring selection, I’m not sold on yet. It’s not always a given.

I’m thrilled to have two incredible children, who luckily, came out just perfect without genetic selection.

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Matthew Harris's avatar

Thank you for weighing in! Yes it should definately be centered around disease prevention and not building the perfect child

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James M.'s avatar

I think if our trends of community fragmentation and bureaucratization and social alienation and romantic dysfunction persist we may reach a point at which society turns against technological advance. Maybe it should. Is what we’ve gained worth what we’ve lost?

https://jmpolemic.substack.com/p/the-new-right

It might be a moot point anyway. As Ted Kaczynski correctly pointed out, the linked processes of technological advance and spiritual alienation have their own inertia. I hope we’re able to preserve traditional aspects of human existence. I fear we’re in for a strange and miserable future if not.

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Matthew Harris's avatar

If we turn against technological advance we are in dire straights indeed.

Thanks for reading

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