Matters of Life and Death Designer babies: Are children commodities or gifts?
Dec 10, 2025
Delve into the provocative world of designer babies and the ethical dilemmas they present. Explore the allure of selecting genetic traits, from beauty to intelligence, and the cultural anxieties driving this trend. The podcast scrutinizes the implications of modern 'liberal eugenics,' from embryo selection to its impact on disability perceptions. A Christian perspective frames children as gifts rather than commodities, challenging the commodification of life. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on parenting, genetics, and the essence of what it means to be a child.
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Episode notes
Hype Versus Genetic Reality
- PickYourBaby advertises precise trait predictions but mixes hype with limited genetic certainty.
- John Wyatt warns many trait claims (like IQ) overstate current genomic predictive power.
Donor Markets Value 'Desirable' Traits
- Tim Wyatt notes sperm and egg banks assign commercial value to donors with 'desirable' traits.
- John Wyatt observes tall, blonde, educated donors command higher prices in markets.
Traits Vary Widely In Genetic Predictability
- Genetic influence varies by trait from near-deterministic to negligible.
- John Wyatt explains heritability differs widely and IQ is only partly genetic.
