What Are Designer Babies?

The colloquial term "designer baby" refers to a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected by genetic engineering combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics. - wikipedia

In simpler terms, using embryo screening technology to choose what type of baby you want. Latest research is making designer babies a reality now, using technology developed originally for use in animals.

In the future, embryos may not only be screened, but modified.

What traits could be changed in a designer baby?

Gender

Appearance

Intelligence

Disease

Personality

Gender selection

Gender selection involves screening embryos for eye color, hair color, and complexion.  The Institute cannot change the DNA of the donating couple — if neither the mother nor the father has genes for green eyes, for example, then the Institute cannot give them a baby with green eyes.

Trait selection

Embryo screening involves a process called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Embryos are created by in-vitro fertilization and grown to the eight-cell stage, at which point one or two cells are removed. Scientists then examine the DNA of these cells for defects, and only normal embryos are replaced in the womb.

Pros

Reduces the chances of getting some serious diseases

May increase chance of success by being smarter, taller, better looking, etc.

Cons

Termination of embryos

Could create a gap in society

Possibility of damage to the gene pool

Baby has no choice in the matter