Science on Screen - Who's Afraid of Designer Babies? May 31, 2006

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or PGD allows scientists to screen the
genetic profile of embryos conceived through in vitro fertilization. What
is the potential of this technology and who should decide how to use it?
The documentary Who's Afraid of Designer Babies? chronicles the experience
of a couple in Sydney who decide to use this embryo-screening technology to
help save their 4-year-old son's life. Over the past two years, the couple
has spent $20,000 and produced 36 embryos in a quest to conceive a baby
whose bone marrow will match that of their ill son. The film raises complex
and emotional issues about our potential to ?design? our descendants.

Following the screening, Dr Carol Tauer of the University of Minnesota's
Center for Bioethics will lead a discussion of PGD and related
technologies.

Official Website: http://www.bellmuseum.org/