Over the past 100 years, scientists have made many valuable discoveries that have benefited humanity. These discoveries include the discovery of genes. Scientists have discovered what makes humans so unique from each other. However, with this new knowledge of the function of genes comes the possibility of modifying or changing them. Imagine that in the not-so-near future, you and your partner want to start a family together. You go to your local genetic counselor to select the physical traits and characteristics of your child. That's correct. With the knowledge gained about genes, scientists can genetically “create” the perfect child. This thought is frightening. Nature has always guided us on the right path, but are we really ready to take control of it? Do we really know enough? Can we manage the consequences? The term used for genetically enhanced people is “Designer Babies”. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected by genetic engineering combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics.” Basically, an embryo is created through in vitro fertilization, and then genetic engineers modify the embryo's DNA. Genetic engineering has been around for hundreds of years. Farmers would only use the seeds from his best crop to cultivate the following year and he would only raise his best animals. This evolved into modifying the plant's genes to be resistant to diseases and pests. Genetic modification has also been used to treat genetic diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This is called gene therapy. But there is a fine line between gene therapy and genetic improvement. Often this line has been blurred and many... middle of paper ......g are a good choice, but if people are allowed to genetically enhance their children, they are taking that away from us. Don't support genetic enhancement. This will only hinder our advancement.Works Cited1. Institute of Biological Sciences. (nd). Creative babies: ethical considerations (ActionBioscience). ActionBioscience - promote the culture of biosciences. Accessed July 8, 2010 from http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html?print2. Bionet. (nd). Rights and wrongs. Bionet - New discoveries in life sciences - Explore the science and debate the issues. Retrieved July 8, 2010 from http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_eth.htm3. Darnovski, Â. (nd). CGS: The arguments against designer babies. CGS: Center for Genetics and Society. Retrieved July 8, 2010 from http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=3540