Biology

The scientific procedure for making designer babies involves genetically altering an embryo to change desired traits. This is accomplished through a process known as germline editing, where an embryo is modified using genome editing tools that make precise changes to the DNA.

At this point in time, several traits can be chosen for the baby, including eye color, hair color, skin tone, predisposition to certain diseases and physical features. However, it is important to note that altering genetics to select desired traits is still a nascent field, and many other potential traits could be affected that are not yet known.

Designer babies could have a drastic effect on the world in the future. On one hand, it could provide an unprecedented level of control for prospective parents over the physical and health characteristics of their children. On the other hand, there are potentially significant ethical implications of genetically altering embryos, including the question of not assessing the potential for unexpected side effects. Furthermore, making designer babies could lead to a situation of eugenics, where only those with certain traits are considered to have preferred status. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to the exploitation and unwarranted discrimination of those without the "genetically superior" traits.