NationStates Jolt Archive

Let's say that the technology to genetically modify your progeny (assuming you were about to have one, and wanted to have one) existed (I believe it will soon) - would you have it done?

Would you not have it done, and risk your child being a member of a potential permanent underclass of "below average intelligence and physical capability"?

Would you damn them to a lifetime risk of genetic disease - some so risky that it's almost a guarantee over time?

How much would you be willing to spend? Should the government fund it as part of a national health care system?

no

the improvements are unlikely to be improvements.

no, no, no.

My kids are already perfect. When the world becomes a sodden ball of mud, you will all learn just how perfect! :D

Hell no.

i won't invoke religion here, even an atheist could feel that there's something incredibly wrong about messing w/ the human spirit.

Hmm, how much to give them wings?
Do I get a package discount if I go for batwings, horns and a tail; the full little-devils package?
Bioluminescence might by handy to find them in the dark. And if they have a naturally pleasant odor, I don't have to wash them as often. Ooh, maybe if they have photosynthesis I can save on food as well.

The poll is too limited. The question for me is not a matter of money, it's a matter of what sorts of things are being screened for. If it was extremely likely that a given embryo would develop a lifelong disease or condition, such as CP or Down Syndrome or the like, I would choose not to use those embryos. But I wouldn't screen for "high intelligence, green eyes, athletic ability" or such nonsense.

Relevant (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=559715).

The poll is too limited. The question for me is not a matter of money, it's a matter of what sorts of things are being screened for. If it was extremely likely that a given embryo would develop a lifelong disease or condition, such as CP or Down Syndrome or the like, I would choose not to use those embryos. But I wouldn't screen for "high intelligence, green eyes, athletic ability" or such nonsense.

Anything and everything - how much you get done is up to you.

Define "improvements."

If we're talking about traits within one's family, then no. If one's DNA is a template for a role of the dice for genes, then mine are loaded and not against me or my progeny.

Now, if there were some way to alter the cellular structure that would allow my children to harness entropy and reverse it in a continuous, stabilized, and semi-controllable manner (akin to breathing) to provide a source of energy for superpowers, then yes, I'd do that. And for the heck of it, I'd name one son Zor-El, and the other Jor-El. Or maybe Dru-Zod and Jor-El. Because that would be awesome.

Who cares about the fetus, what about me?!

yes and I hope they develop treatments to apply these to the still living.

I refuse to even think of bringing a life into this world as it is...That being said, I would totally clone myself...You know...Fer parts...;)

yes and I hope they develop treatments to apply these to the still living.Silence you fool, least LG complete his plans of creating a world of sheer lunieness.

Only with cool powers like flight and night-vision etc., and if that's not available, no.

Only with cool powers like flight and night-vision etc., and if that's not available, no.Hey, even though it would be pretty cool I do not want to become an ass-blaster.

I'm mostly for natural selection, but I would do a screening for possible disorders if I got pregnant. If any serious ones are found, I'd abort and try again.

Also if photosynthesis was an option, I'd like to give that to my kids. That would be pretty convenient as it would eliminate the need for food, thus freeing them from dependence on society.

Hell no.

i won't invoke religion here, even an atheist could feel that there's something incredibly wrong about messing w/ the human spirit.

What are you on about?

This poll is worthless without an option for "Only if I could give them frikkin' lasers for eyes".

Been watching Gattaca I presume?

Only to the point of removing any harmful genetic conditions and genetic predispositions to disease(you know, if it turns out that cancer is genetic to a significant degree). Other than that, let the dice of genetics be cast.

Yes I would.

OK, Jewish law would normally forbid any kind of genetic enhancements. However, this prohibition is negated in order to save a life. So, let's see...

If I can afford it, I'd eliminate all defective genes. If my child is certain to have a genetic illness, I'd go into debt to prevent it, since Judaism forbids abortion, but I will be damned if I have to tell my child that the reason they will have a life of suffering is because genetic therapy was too expensive.

Now that I've assured my children won't have any PROBLEMS due to their genes, let's see what I can do to extend their lifespans. If there are genetic enhancements that boost the body's immune system or natural healing capabilities, I'd go for those. In D&D terms, I'd only get enhancements that boost Constitution or Fortitude.

Also, if the environment I am living is not one that the human body was designed for, I will give them appropriate modifications. For instance, if I move to Mars, radiation resistance, powerful lungs, and CO2 resistance will be near the top of the list.

I refuse to even think of bringing a life into this world as it is...That being said, I would totally clone myself...You know...Fer parts...;)

And then your clone would break free and shoot you!

Kudos to anyone who gets the reference.

My Child'll be a clone of LG, lol....

But, in all seriousness, It depends...

On whether A) its been Tested and proven to work and not cause unfortunate side effects....and B) if my child actually needed it, like, if their was a risk of Down's Syndrone or something like that, Id make sure they didnt have to go through that...

Only with cool powers like flight and night-vision etc., and if that's not available, no.

Right, so what happens if your kids become naughty then?

Right, so what happens if your kids become naughty then?
AA guns.

My Child'll be a clone of LG, lol....

Who told you???

...i mean.... *whistles innocently*

Silence you fool, least LG complete his plans of creating a world of sheer lunieness.
Who told you???

...i mean.... *whistles innocently*You see LG's plan are near complete and soon all the children in the world shall be servants of the Great Luny Lord.

You see he has already entered our games as the Daedric Prince of Madness.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jq9TnI7ssTU&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=thxz9KzQ83s&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=B9ZliGwj4lE&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kaWDA8h3-pU&feature=related

No. Not because I think it's immoral, but because

A. I want to make sure we know EXACTLY what we're doing first(It'd not be too good to boost intelligence while simultaneously adding a nervous addiction to mud tick or something)

B. It should be their choice.

I'll be finding out here in two months.

On the other hand, I see absolutely no reason NOT to genetically enhance myself(again with the caveat about knowing what we're doing) and would gladly do so when I could, especially for the sake of longevity .

On the other hand, I see absolutely no reason NOT to genetically enhance myself(again with the caveat about knowing what we're doing) and would gladly do so when I could, especially for the sake of longevity .

OK, here's some Enzyte, Growth Hormone, Steroids, Food coloring...

When im through, your gonna be the next Abomination, lol

Who told you???

...i mean.... *whistles innocently*The chloroform didn't hold for the *entire* ordeal.
She made eye contact.

Not until I can get enhancements done on myself. And then, I probably won't care.

I would only support genetic modification to remove genetic vulnerabilities and predispositions to genetic diseases. Anything else I think borders on being medically unethical.

I want my kids to be enhanced to be stronger and faster then other kids. then i will teach them it is okay to bully non enhanced kids. maybe some genetically programed kung fu.

I would only support genetic modification to remove genetic vulnerabilities and predispositions to genetic diseases. Anything else I think borders on being medically unethical.That's a lot of peoples' perspective.

The chloroform didn't hold for the *entire* ordeal.
She made eye contact.

Shit. :(

Only if I get to have them enhanced with genes spliced from both Katganistan AND Lunatic Goofballs, so as to augment their already impressive genetic make-up.

In a heartbeat.

Any enhancements I could give them, to improve their chances of staying alive, competing successfully in an uncaring and bloody universe, and avoiding any genetic problems - in a freaking heartbeat.

B. It should be their choice.But they can't make that choice at the only time the choice can be made. Genetic enhancement after you're fully grown won't work for most things; you can tweak hormones and enzymes etc, but you won't be able to change abilities or looks (no matter what science fiction and super hero comics say).

Apart from for medical reasons to save their lives, I think it would be morally dubious to have something done to your children that they could not undo when they are old enough to make their own decisions.

I would enhance my offspring with genetic engineering if I could. I also think the government should include genetic enhancements in the national healthcare plan, at least intelligent, longevity, and health enhancements as well as removing any genetic diseases and negative predispositions.

My answer is no but none of the poll reasons seemed to apply so I am going for a joke option.

I'm against genetic enhancement PERIOD. Partly for moral reasons and partly for the camel's nose in the tent argument.

Would you have your progeny genetically enhanced?

Probably not. I already have near-flawless genes anyway; I'm smart, good-looking, disease-free and without flaws save for a lowish vision and slightly receding hairline. Both of which can be corrected later with appropriate laser or cosmetic surgery without involving costly, risky genetic manipulations, if my progeny so chooses.

Id like to genetically enhance the size of my Sons penis because what Son will be bitter and resentful about that choice 20 years from now?

Id like to genetically enhance the size of my Sons penis because what Son will be bitter and resentful about that choice 20 years from now?
Hmm, good point. Who doesn't want a bigger penis?

Still, there's no way to know if there wouldn't be long-term effects or problems with the genetic manipulations. Your son might be a bit miffed if his big penis stopped working entirely, or if it just fell off or something.

Nah, I still go with nature.

the goverment should mandate this sort of stuff. don't want the country to fall behind other countries.

getting rid of genetic diseases and the likes i would go for, but anything else such as being smarter, good looks etc. is just pointless in my opinion. anyone can be taught how to be smart, anyone can be taught how to be a good runner. no one can be taught how to rid themselves of genetic diseases.

Shit. :(Didn't you have your aviators' goggles on? DIDN'T YOU?!?

Hmm, good point. Who doesn't want a bigger penis?
I always felt so guilty about deleting all those emails .... and now i know why. :(

Wouldn't a follow-up question be, "If you could leave post-hypnotic suggestions in your childrens' minds, would you, and what orders and keywords would you use?"

My kids are already perfect. When the world becomes a sodden ball of mud, you will all learn just how perfect! :D

Ah, the rumours are actually true. So you did use considerable amounts of time and resources to train your children in the cryptic ways of the mudskipper, just like the legends told us!

Let's say that the technology to genetically modify your progeny (assuming you were about to have one, and wanted to have one) existed (I believe it will soon) - would you have it done? Yes, it's a no-brainer. Of course, if it brings improvement.

How much would you be willing to spend?
Depends on how much improvement. Generally I'd put the absolute limit at perhaps $250,000-$350,000, but it's more of a question of how much I can spend. If I believe the money will bring him/her better use if invested and given as stock, I'll do the latter.


Should the government fund it as part of a national health care system?
Yes, definitely, as long as it brings improvement. Although I'd be in favor of maintaining a sizable pool of cleangenes, selected out of the best people, just in case the genetic engineering backfires.

But some things are pretty uncontroversial, for instance hexadactylity, and, if we manage to extract the proper genes, heptadactility.

Well, I certainly want my kids to be way smarter than me. I don't do as well academically as the rest of my family, so maybe +50 IQ on any kids I have would be a good idea.

Let's say that the technology to genetically modify your progeny (assuming you were about to have one, and wanted to have one) existed (I believe it will soon) - would you have it done?


My children are genetically enhanced.

They have my superior genes.

I would make sure my children were born without the genes that encourage thread liching.