Routledge Influencing Traits Before Birth (Routledge Revivals)

This title was first published in 2002.In this informative and captivating book the author presents a moral critique of the laws governing the creation of designer babies. Alan Gewirth’s Principle of Generic Consistency is used as the starting point for developing a framework, which is then used to critique the legal position in the EU countries (with particular reference to the UK), Canada and the USA. The conclusion the author reaches is that a proper moral response to the issues covered must take account of specified prima facie presumptions, to be applied by legitimately appointed regulatory bodies. The text assesses the adequacy of existing regulatory responses by reference to these presumptions. Also containing detailed appendices summarizing the legal position with regard to abortion and prenatal diagnosis, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, in vitro embryo research, cloning, and germ-line gene therapy in the countries mentioned above, this volume is an indispensable resource for both students and scholars with a keen interest in this highly contested field. Review ’If we can design pre-natal traits, should we? If we can respond to the questions that it raises, should we use law or our moral intuitions? Deep in thought, broad in scope, fluent in expression, Dr Pattinson provides a timely and wide-ranging inquiry into one of the most pressing ethical dilemmas of the new century.’ Derek Morgan, Professor of Health Care Law and Jurisprudence, Cardiff Law School, UK ’...informative and captivating...this volume is an indispensable resource for both students and scholars with an interest in these fields.’ Human Reproduction and Genetic Ethics 'This is a refreshing analysis of the ethical issues involved in parental decisions about the typd of children they want to give birth to and rear...The result is that Influencing Traits Before Birth overturns much of the conventional thought.' New Genetics and Society '...this is an interesting book to read and to recommend to one's students both for its substance and for its structure and style. The book also contains excellent descriptions of traditional philosophical arguments...' Medical Law Review '...highly recommended for the scholarly and interesting contribution it makes to this critically iportant debate...a rich source of information as to the current regulatory provisions in force across the EU, the US and Canada...an extremely useful and thought-provoking addition to the available literature.' International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family About the Author Dr Shaun D. Pattinson is Reader in Law at the Department of Law, Durham University, UK.