Designer babies: Is genetic screening healthy or harmful?

Audio

Day 6 speaks with doctors who have opposing views over eugenics

CBC News Posted: Oct 11, 2013 10:55 PM ET Last Updated: Oct 11, 2013 10:55 PM ET

Build-a-Baby Debate 12:51

The U.S.-based genetic testing company 23andMe has patented a system for parents who are conceiving a child with donor sperm.

The tests screen for potential health risks, but also hair and eye colour. So far, the company says it has no plans to make the system publicly available.

The Center for Genetics and Society said this type of screening "breathes new life into the spectre of eugenics."

Brent Banbury, CBC host of Day 6, spoke with Western University's Dr. Jeffery Nisker and Dr. Lee Silver, co-founder of genetic testing company GenePeeks, about the debate over eugenics.

Click on the audio link to hear their conversation.

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