Selecting the Perfect Baby
The Ethics of Embryo Design
Author(s)
Abstract
This dilemma case is based on the true story of Jack and Lisa Nash, whose daughter Molly was born with a rare genetic disorder, Fanconi anemia. By having another child with specific genetic markers, the Nashes hoped to cure Molly using stem cells from the new baby’s umbilical cord blood. Students learn about developmental disorders and consider the ethical issues of genetic manipulation and fertility treatments. Although the case was written for beginning developmental psychology students, the issues raised involving genetic manipulation, advances in medical technology, and scientific ethics would be relevant in many other science courses.
Objectives
- To demonstrate a basic understanding of how developmental disorders can be transmitted genetically, including the differences between disorders triggered by recessive genes, x-linked genes, and genetic mutation.
- To explain in-vitro fertilization and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, including basic risks involved with the procedures.
- To consider and discuss ethical issues involved in these procedures.
Keywords
Fanconi anemia; recessive-linked disorders; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis; PGD; in vitro fertilization; IVF; Molly Nash; bioethicsTopical Areas
Ethics, Social issues, Social justice issuesEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Dilemma/Decision, DiscussionLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Psychology | Genetics / Heredity | Biotechnology | Biology (General) |
Date Posted
03/20/02Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.