Some potential ethical problems with the results of genetic research

(3) Will abortion of all other foetuses become the norm?

So, a couple whose foetus has "unacceptable" characteristics may be expected to be aborted.

(4) Will testing of all newborn babies for genetic predispositions to disease become expected?

(5) Will post-natal correction of genetic defects or predispositions become the norm?

(6) Will each of these processes be voluntary or compulsory or coercive?

Just suppose that one detects a combination of genes that makes it likely that one will develop diabetes in 40 years, is one obliged to have the baby "treated"? Consider the right of people to make choices and the right of society to define itself. Consider the coercive character of the phrase "voluntary disability".

Consider the value of human diversity and the dangers of selective breeding of super-human beings.

(7) Will reproduction be the same or will it become a laboratory matter?

The question here is whether sex will only be for pleasure or whether it will retain any reproductive function.

(8) If gene therapy is possible, what rules will be used to define those for whom it should be applied?

(9) Will gene therapy be expensive and available preferentially to the wealthy? Most other things are now.

(10) Alternatively, will gene therapy be included in some national system of underwriting?