Teacher Overhead #2

ABC SPECIAL: In Search of the Perfect Baby

1. Explain why DNA is a biological link to our hereditary past?

2. What is IVF? What personal and social issues does IVF raise?

3. Speculate how the demand for more consumer choices might impact the future of genetic technology.

4. Why might a society be concerned about sperm banks?

5. To what extent is intelligence and other characteristics genetic?

6. Should scientists assist parents in creating "perfect" children?

7. Explain the connection between decisions made by the Nazi government in Germany prior to World War II and genetic engineering of children.

8. Describe the nature of Tays-Sachs disease. Why is Tays-Sachs a genetic disease?

9. What choices do parent have as a result of the blood test that identifies Tays -Sachs in a mother's womb?

10. What is amniocentesis? What choices might amniocentesis present for parents?

11. Describe Down's syndrome. Under what circumstances have parents aborted a fetus diagnosed with Down's syndrome? Why would a parent not decide to abort a Down's syndrome child?

12. Why is psychological counseling essential when parents are considering genetic testing?

13. How long of a life is a "good life"?

14. Explain how some genetic illnesses are "pre-programmed"?

15. Scientists can diagnose incurable illnesses (Cystic fibrosis, Huntington's Disease). What problems might that pose for individuals? for society?

16. Describe the symptoms of Huntington's Disease.

17. Is a life with a risk of Huntington's Disease worth living?

18. What are the advantages and disadvantages of knowing that you have a genetic disease?

19. What factors would you consider in making a decision about whether an individual would want to know if they had Huntington's Disease?

20. What is the Human Genome? What is the purpose of the Human Genome Project?

21. What is a genetic profile? How might a genetic profile be used? What social, economic, and political issues does use of a genetic profile raise?

22. Should a person be denied a job as a result of genetic tests?

23. Should insurance companies know about the results of genetic tests?

24. List the potential positive aspects of genetic engineering? What are the potential negative aspects?

25. What is the "perfect" baby?