Debating Matters: Designer Babies: Where Should We Draw The Line?

The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organising conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges. They hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.

The 'Debating Matters' series reflects their commitment to this project. It is hoped that the reader will find the arguments in these pages stimulating, thought-provoking, and a spur to carrying on the debate long after they have closed the book.

Science fiction has been preoccupied with technologies to control the characteristics of our children since the publication of Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World'. Current arguments about 'designer babies' almost always demand that lines should be drawn and regulations tightened.

But where should regulation stop and patient choice in the use of reproductive technology begin? A number of contributors set out their arguments in this book.