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The Invention Of Designer Babies

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Introduction
Throughout the world, the potential to genetically modify embryos has created controversy whether this procedure if ‘morally correct.’ ‘Designer babies’ have been created by screening embryos for genetic diseases. However, ‘Designer babies’ has also been used to contain selected desired qualities such as eye colour, hair colour and skin complexion. The question remains, “where is the line drawn for ‘designer babies?’”
In Vitro Fertilisation
“In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a procedure in which eggs (ova) from a woman 's ovary are removed. In a laboratory procedure, they are fertilised with a sperm, and then the fertilized egg (embryo) is returned to the woman 's uterus.” (Medicine, 2007) IVF is a process in which the egg is fertilised outside of the body (as seen in figure 1). IVF is not the only assisted reproductive technology, however, is the most commonly known and most successful. Other assisted reproductive technologies include: Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI), Hormonal therapy for men or surgery. Conception using IVF includes the following biological process:
Stimulating the ovaries, where the female is given hormones to produce more eggs each cycle the enable the collection of multiple eggs. Collecting the eggs occurs by placing an ultrasound probe in the uterus. The ultrasound will show where the follicles are within the ovaries. A needle is then passed through the uterus wall and into the ovaries. Each follicle is pierced to collect the egg inside.

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