Designer Baby

A designer baby is a human embryo that has been genetically modified, usually following guidelines set by the parent or scientist, to produce desirable traits. This is done using various methods, such as gene therapy or Pre implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Gene therapy is a technique in which genes are inserted into an individual’s cells and tissues to treat or prevent disease. In this technique, the defective mutant allele is replaced with a functional one. The advantage of this technique is that it allows the doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene rather than using drugs or performing a surgery. Although the technique is still in its infancy, it looks promising to treat diseases like inherited disorders, cancer and some types of viral infections.