In the past few years, advances in the field of genetics have been in the national spotlight. Particularly controversial are the issues of cloning, as witnessed by the cloned sheep, Dolly, in Scotland, and genetic testing, which some people fear will affect health insurance, among other things, in the future. Technology, specifically genetics, is advancing at a rate that far outpaces the nation's ability to discuss these issues morally, ethically and legally. And with sex selection - like many of the latest medical issues - it is very likely that lawmakers will attempt to legislate the process.
But these matters are not the domain of legislators - any decisions should be made only with the advice and support of the medical community.
This process of predeterming a child's sex will likely have great ramifications for society, many of which legislators themselves are unable to foresee. Effects of these advancements go far beyond legal questions; they may change society in such a profound manner as to alter everyday life. For these reasons, the entire medical community, consisting of doctors, nurses, therapists and researchers should be heavily involved in any kind of regulation. Politicians need to be partnered with these scientists to create, after careful research-backed consideration, informed legislation.
Another important question surrounding issues of genetic engineering is that of morality, a highly subjective matter. It is important that moral and especially religious issues do not interfere with secular legislation - a problem that is far too likely to occur. Morality is a part of the decision process on an individual basis; personal moral choices should not be regulated. Any legislative oversight of genetic engineering should focus on the scientific rather than the moral or religious implications. The heavy involvement of the medical and scientific communities should help ensure that the issues do not become overwhelmed with religious debate.
While genetic engineering could be very beneficial to society, especially in the fights against incurable diseases, there are many risks as well. Although these risks will very likely necessitate some form of legislation, it should not be left to politicians alone, but should involve those people who are the most knowledgeable in the field.
The idea of choosing a child's sex is only the beginning of vast possibilities created with the advent of genetic engineering. This type of research, while valid, should be handled carefully and responsibly. The precious variety of human life is eventually questioned when technology and science begin to choose not only sex, but also hair and eye color or height and weight. Scientific research is almost always inherently justified, but it is the social context where the research gets played out that needs to be closely watched over.