Should We Weaken or Strengthen Our Genetic Heritage?

The relaxation of birth selection has been made possible chiefly by the fact that under modern culture the damage done by soc as well as other defects of individuals is increasingly borne by society as a whole. Under our genetic laissez-faire policy, an ever greater increase in the f of detrimental genes is unavoidable. In the light of an understanding of how biological evolution works, men actuated by a more far-reaching sense of responsibility to their successors will come to extend their soc awareness & motivation, If it is accepted that the function of reproduction is to produce children who are healthy & capable, `then it will be only natural for people to wish each new generation to represent a genetic advance over the preceding one.' Artificial insemination as an instrument in ethical parenthood is discussed, as well as attempts to cultivate either M or F germ cells outside the body. The genetic changes desirable for us in the future would not in the main be replacements for cultural devices' but a means of better gearing together the biological & the cultural.' (See SA 1844-B2974). E. Weiman.