Many people feel uneasy with new genetic technologies, and in particular feel that human germline manipulation should not be allowed. In
Redesigning Humans: Choosing our Children's Genes Gregory Stock sees this as too much of a knee-jerk reaction. He considers such germinal choice technology (GCT) as a continuation of the efforts parents have made to do the best for their children, and believes that such prospective parents won't be put off by laws based on some vague uneasiness. Some will find a way to get such technology, and then others will feel compelled to follow suit - or else face the consequence of having to explain to their children why they were born at a disadvantage.
Sometimes Stock seems to be saying the same thing over again - parent pressure will make GCT happen - rather than trying to go more deeply into the arguments for and against. Overall, however, the book provides an interesting account of the benefits, such as longer life or higher IQ, which GCT might bring, together with a look at the technologies which might make it happen - for instance an artificial chromosome, which could be removed or upgraded when the bearers decide to have children of their own. It's a book which will interest anyone concerned with the future of our species, and certainly it shows that those who think that GCT should be banned are going to have to come up with some much more persuasive arguments.
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