Genetic engineering, although used with good intentions in many cases, upsets the balance of nature in unknown ways. The author considers whether genetic engineering used today to prevent and repair ‘defects’ in all humans (the new eugenics) will exacerbate social injustices and/or lead to a public safety issue.

For instance:

1. In 2012, virologists in the U.S. and the Netherlands genetically engineered avian (bird) flu to be more transmissible between mammals. These scientists argued that virus transmission between mammals enables them to make vaccines to prevent pandemics.

2. In vitro fertilization is being combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis to design babies (i.e., eye color, larger muscles, height, intelligence, etc.).

3. Scientists have enabled pigs to be organ farms for humans using genetic editing.

If this engineered flu virus accidentally got out of the laboratory (remember, we humans are mammals), it could have caused a pandemic similar to COVID-19. Will designer babies, as they mature, feel a sense of superiority and/or pass on mutations with disadvantageous effects to future generations? Should we ignore the risk of zoonotic (animal) diseases for the potential benefits of reducing the shortage of organs? Increasingly, scientists believe improving the health and safety of humankind justifies the risk of playing God. Scientific advancement, if not guided responsibly and with public input, can be detrimental to public safety.

Join the author as he considers whether scientists are playing God as well as the risks we face by altering genetics in The New Eugenics.