Genetically Engineering Embryos

[Plantaholic]

What do you ladies think about the news today that UK scientists have been given permission to genetically modify human embryos?

[Oma]

Didn't see it Plant going to have a look online and read about it

[Oma]

Well by what I read Plant none of the embryos will be actually implanted into a woman it's more for research benefits , having said that I'm not against it provided it's not for so called Designer baby's , if it's to prevent illness and rogue genes and to illuminate the likes of congenital defects and diseases and help women have healthy babies then I think it's a good thing also it will be regulated. Not so long ago test tube babies were shocking as was IVF now it's common place , we have to accept progress not everyone agrees I know that but this is only my opinion

[Libra Gran]

Personally I think it's a road on the slippery slope to exactly that Oma,designer babies.

[Daisy]

I only heard it as a headline on the radio - so I don't know what exactly has been approved. I'll have to catch up later.

[ZIZI]

Not that we would ever want to be without our Ben but if there had been a way of preventing the trauma he has suffered all of his little life I would vote for it. His health problems are a result of "genetic collisions" as a consultant once said. Until you have seen a child you love suffering and having so many hospital treatments and the like which you are totally unable to relieve him of you cannot make a call on this one. My own opinion of course.

[Mimi]

I'm not entirely sure. if it could be set in stone that under no circumstances could it lead to designer babies then I think that would be acceptable. The last thing we need is for parents with more money than sense to 'order ' a baby to their wants, i.e . Big blue eyes, blonde hair etc,
My dear friend has two grandchildren the eldest a boy, is a normal healthy boy , her second grandchild, a girl has many problems.She spends every day locked in her own world. She has no pain barrier, if she falls she doesn't cry, she won't respond to cuddles, eye contact and speech. There are many more health problems and she will always need care.
I'm sure my friend would welcome anything that would put an end to babies being born like this.

[Gemini]

I agree. No to Designer Babies for cosmetic reasons - colouring, height etc.
Yes to helping to detect genetic problems which blight or limit llife.

[Clover]

I think I heard something about this project helping to find out more about why miscarriages occur.Totally agree about "designer"babies. Apparently the embryos will have to be destroyed after so many days. I just hope the whole thing is very closely monitored.

[Shemadee]

I am all for it if it will help with pregnancies and to eradicate certain illnesses. Would guess that there will be some misuse - some people already have scans and then terminate the pregnancy if it the "wrong" sex.

[Nana]

Clover I heard the same thing. I heard research would also help women having IVF treatment. Great news if that's the case.

[Nanto2girls]

I wouldn't agree to it for designer babies, but if it can prevent health problems that some babies are born with, I would go along with it.

[Avo]

I think the research is to help understand miscarriage and I'm all for it. Also if it helps further with ivf development, as you know we are currently waiting the arrival of our ICSI baby (a type of IVF) and without research our baby might never have been made.