ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the controversies that arise with the use of genetics in reproduction and three approaches to resolving them. It explores the concept and meaning of procreative liberty, explains why it is valued, and describes its constitutional status. The chapter then applies a procreative liberty analysis to four key areas of debate and controversy over the use of reprogenetic techniques in reproduction. It addresses the use of genetic knowledge in screening of prospective children for health reasons. The chapter looks at non-medical selection, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender. Moving then to positive techniques of genetic choice, the chapter discusses the case for reproductive cloning. It addresses positive alteration of embryo genomes for both medical and non-medical purposes. Finally, the chapter discusses the problems of making policy in this area. Modern traditionalism strongly supports a liberty claim-right to use genetic knowledge and techniques to have healthy offspring to nurture and rear.