"Rather than focusing on selecting specific genetic traits, parents should consider the broader ethical implications and potential societal impacts of their choices. We cannot let technology alone shape our future and define our humanity. Instead, we must reclaim our role as ethical stewards, guided by values that transcend mere utility and efficiency."

Today we're joined by Stephen Umbrello, Managing Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, to explore the profound ethical challenges posed by genetic engineering. In our conversation, Stephen shares critical insights about:

• Why advances in gene editing technology like CRISPR should concern Catholics
• The dangers of reducing children to collections of desirable traits
• How genetic engineering could create new forms of discrimination and inequality
• The unforeseen consequences of editing the human genome
• The difference between therapeutic and enhancement uses
• Why we need robust ethical oversight of these technologies
• Practical ways Catholics can engage with these issues

This is a crucial conversation about preserving human dignity in an age of unprecedented technological power over human life itself.

Resources:
Steven's article: https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/reproductive-ethics-genetic-engineering-and-the-common-good/

Find Steven here: https://stevenumbrello.com/

Chapters:
0:00 - Genetic engineering tech
10:02 - What is "good"?
19:57 - Should Catholics be worried?
30:42 - Designer babies on demand
40:58 - Population control and planned (in)fertility
49:46 - What can we do?
1:02:22 - We must resist tech-utopian determinism

We want to hear from you! Please feel free to email us at [email protected] with any feedback and let us know what you think.

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