The following case for discussion is adapted from Chapter 18.

This part is from a real case of a former student of mine at Berkeley with whom I am still in contact. Names have been changed.

Albert and Beth are a young married couple who are concerned about passing genetic diseases to their children. Members of Beth's family have been diagnosed with breast cancer connected to the gene BRCA1Members of Beth's family have tested positive for a mutation of the BRCA genes that are strongly associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Beth refuses to have children except through in vitro fertilization so they make certain that the gene is NOT passed to the child. Albert wants Beth to be happy but would prefer to have children without IVF and in the "natural way."

Charles and Doris are of average height and strength but would like to have a son who could earn a great deal of money as a Basketball player. They would like to have in vitro fertilization to ascertain that they would have a son and that her would have the gene for height and muscle. This would be their best ticket to a good and wealthy life and the child would have a good and successful career as a basketball player.

Questions for discussion - Answer any two of the following questions:

Would you agree with Albert and Beth? Would agree with Charles and Doris?

Is it wrong to want to prevent genetic disease through use of IVF and pre-implantation genetic screening?Is it a wise investment?Should it be covered by health insurance?

Is it selfish to want to control your child's genes?Explain your answer.

What about using IVF for selecting the gender of the baby you want to have?Explain your reasoning.