Genetic Defects and New Colonies Forum: Spacesettlers
Thread: Genetic Defects and New Colonies
# 224 bytntucker@... on Dec. 23, 2000, 9:20 p.m.
Member since 2021-10-03
All,
I would presume that visitors and new members would have to pass through quarantine to assure freedom from contagious diseases such as TB, so what about genetic disorders?
A colony may be the root of many thousands of generations and much suffering and premature death may be prevented if simple steps are taken at the on-set. This is especially critical if the colony is heading for a distant star system. If we know how to prevent the passage of defective genes on to offspring, are we not obligated to do so?
In particular, should a colony continue to allow all comers to have as many babies as they like, or should procreation be a privilege monitored by the local society?
Should drug addicts and alcoholics automatically loose parenting privileges?
What about carriers of significant genetic disorders? Should the fertilized embryos be "fixed", if possible, or what?
Should eggs and sperm be fertilized in a lab where the zygotes can be examined for genetic defects, perhaps treated, before implantation? (For the sake of discussion, lets assume that this is easily possible, OK?)
Regards,
Tom
Has anyone given much thought to the regulation of reproduction on space colonies?
I would presume that visitors and new members would have to pass through quarantine to assure freedom from contagious diseases such as TB, so what about genetic disorders?
A colony may be the root of many thousands of generations and much suffering and premature death may be prevented if simple steps are taken at the on-set. This is especially critical if the colony is heading for a distant star system. If we know how to prevent the passage of defective genes on to offspring, are we not obligated to do so?
In particular, should a colony continue to allow all comers to have as many babies as they like, or should procreation be a privilege monitored by the local society?
Should drug addicts and alcoholics automatically loose parenting privileges?
What about carriers of significant genetic disorders? Should the fertilized embryos be "fixed", if possible, or what?
Should eggs and sperm be fertilized in a lab where the zygotes can be examined for genetic defects, perhaps treated, before implantation? (For the sake of discussion, lets assume that this is easily possible, OK?)
Regards,
Tom