The genetic revolution holds out great promise in medicine and many other fields. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, rapid advances in this relatively new science have put within humanity's grasp the ability to cure or prevent previously incurable diseases. The hope also exists of ending world hunger through the use of high-yield bioengineered food crops. But, despite all the positive aspects, genetic engineering raises some troubling questions that both experts and laymen will have to confront in the years immediately ahead. One of these questions may even entail a radical redefinition of what it means to be a human being, challenging some of our most deeply held philosophical and religious beliefs.

Designer Babies

Few people would dispute the benefits of a genetic procedure that could replace a gene that causes a horrific disease with a healthy...