23andMe, a personal genetics firm has created a patent tool named Family Traits Inheritance Calculator, which allows parents to custom-design their unborn child. The "designer babies" tool has already garnered a lot attention and criticism.
In ancient times, knowing the sex of a baby before it was born was close to impossible. Of course there were beliefs that one could tell the sex of the baby depending on the pregnant mother's belly shape and her traits but there was no concrete medical way to determine the sex of the baby before birth. Then came a series of medical advancements, which could not only predict the sex of the unborn child but also its risk factors for genetic disorders and other health conditions. However, it seems like humans are not yet satisfied with this and want to take things a step further.
23andMe, a personal genetics firm has created a patent tool named Family Traits Inheritance Calculator, which allows parents to custom-design their unborn child. The tool first analyses the couple's eggs and sperms using a DNA system and then provides a list of possible genetic traits and risk factors. The parents-to-be can then choose the height, eye color, muscle development and personality traits of the unborn child and add these choices to their "shopping list." The company also claims that its new designer baby tool can help predict the baby's health costs, in turn helping parents stay prepared for such situations.
23andMe applied for a patent in 2008 and was granted the same September 24, 2013. The Family Traits Inheritance Calculator has already garnered its fair share of attention and criticism. Even though the company clarified that it doesn't intend on using the tool to change any genetic material, critics worry that this is not an ethical way to "create better babies."
"It would be highly irresponsible for 23andMe or anyone else to offer a product or service based on this patent," Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, said in a statement. "We believe the patent office made a serious mistake in allowing a patent that includes drop-down menus for which to choose a future child's traits."
Jayne Lucke, from the University of Queensland's Centre for Clinical Research echoed Darnovsky thoughts saying people should not be allowed to choose their "type of baby."
In response to the criticism, Scott H of 23and Me confirmed that the company had no intentions of using the tool beyond providing parents with an opportunity to see all the possible traits they could expect in their unborn child.
"The tool - Family Traits Inheritance Calculator- offers an engaging way for you and your partner to see what kind of traits your child might inherit from you," IB Times quoted him as saying. "The Family Trait Inheritance Calculator has also been part of our service since 2009 and is used by our customers as a fun way to look at such things as what eye color their child might have or if their child will be able to perceive bitter taste or be lactose intolerant. The tool offers people an enjoyable way to dip their toes into genetics. It aligns nicely with our goal to introduce people to their DNA and help them better understand the science of genetics, which can sometimes be complicated."
