I think the problem there would be
that "positive" doesn't mean "good". eg Many cultures would think male or heterosexual are positive, rather than neutral, characteristics.

That said, I agree that (especially with our considerable knowledge of genetics) eugenics could be used for good in terms of getting rid of negative traits such as susceptibility to certain diseases, it's just the idea of giving anyone the power to say what is a negative characteristic is a scary thing.

Also, if someone wants a child with specific characteristics, I'd say they shouldn't be allowed a child in the first place, as that is the wrong reason to want one.

However, I think the major issue with eugenics is not "designer babies", but rather population control.

Ultimately, population control (ie global, rather than immigration) is something that will need to be addressed soon. It would be nice if people cared enough about the future of our species not to sprog so much, but I can't see people willingly stopping at two at any point soon, and so I imagine eugenics may end up an only solution.
( monkeon schmonkeon, Wed 28 Sep 2011, 16:18, Reply)