Babies from three parents: Medical breakthrough or ethical quagmire?

British lawmakers have voted to allow the in-vitro creation of fertilized embryos using the DNA of three people. The move could make Britain the first country to authorize altering a human egg or embryo before transferring it to the womb. Proponents say the procedure is needed to prevent the inheritance of genetic diseases. Opponents say it could lead to the creation of designer babies. There’s an ethical line here somewhere, but does a step that’s aimed to prevent suffering cross that line? Or is it best that we prevent all genetic manipulation of humans?

I don’t think God would have envisioned the idea of children being brought into this world by three parents.

I think this is yet another way for humankind to spit in the face of God and people should be ashamed.

— Anthony Chilson Jr., Princeton

Most folks fall into one of three groups when weighing in on a controversy.

The largest will not be materially affected. The other two smaller groups are made up of those being positively affected and those affected negatively.

Please also remember that most free countries allow families to make their own decisions. If something is an option, they have the choice to choose it or reject it.

So, bottom line, the British government is merely allowing their citizens a freedom of choice. Notwithstanding the ultra conservative or religious extreme, why would anyone oppose the concept of allowing certain parents a medically safe procedure to protect their babies?

If handled properly, I can clearly see where families will now have the ability to create a more positive and safer environment while the potential negative impact would be miniscule.

— Patrick Jenkins, Arlington

So whose child shall the genetically manipulated embryo be? Will there be two “fathers”?

According to the Bible, it is God who weaves together the baby in the womb. As in various other areas, mankind has now taken it upon itself to boldly go where only God has gone before.

I know God has given us intellect and natural materials to use to enhance life and fight disease and disabilities. But here we are going so far as to fundamentally alter who a human being will end up being.

I think this is definitely going a step too far.

— Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth

I believe genetic manipulation has been done before by a man named Hitler.

Is that where our society is headed today?

We are still performing experiments to eliminate weaker humans.

— Rhonda Aubert, Southlake

The ethical line was crossed when human life was created in a Petri dish.

The word “manipulation” does not imply good behavior.

A fertility god called Baal is alive and well today.

Suffering is inevitable in every life, so it cannot be prevented.

The greatest suffering is when someone you love passes away.

There is no cure for it unless you believe as I do in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

— Deborah Fleischmann,

Fort Worth

Genetic manipulation of human embryos to prevent diseases and inherited diseases is a notable and worthwhile cause.

However, this is a very “slippery slope.”

This opens up a Pandora’s Box of illegal activities such as a well-connected and funded mad person trying to create a master race.

This is what Hitler tried to do in Germany.

He did not have the advantage of genetic modification techniques at that time, so he tried to create his master race via selection of individuals with what he determined to be desirable traits based on size, appearance, agreeing with authority rules, policies and political and religious beliefs.

He tried to improve his available “gene pool” by eradicating what he deemed to be non-suitable people.

— Walter H. Delashmit, Justin

This story was originally published February 13, 2015 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Babies from three parents: Medical breakthrough or ethical quagmire?."