Baby Abuse Mike Rappaport

Should deaf parents be allowed to select genes to ensure that their children are deaf?  My immediate and continuing reaction is no, absolutely not.  It may not be evil — although it may be — but it should not be allowed.  After all, if a deaf parent had a hearing child and then intentionally caused the child to become deaf through physical injury, we would certainly prohibit and punish that.  Are the gene selections so different? 

That said, I recognize the issues are more complex, including matters such as drawing lines.  And you can sympathize with a deaf parent who wants their child to share their world.  But one is supposed to want a better life for your child than you have, even if it causes your life to be worse.