LNAT Practice Test Essay – Discuss the ethical implications of using genetic screening for non-medical purposes, such as choosing a child’s physical traits.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Discuss the ethical implications of using genetic screening for non-medical purposes, such as choosing a child’s physical traits.

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Introduction

The rapid advancement of genetic screening technologies has opened up a new world of possibilities, particularly in the area of human reproduction. Genetic screening allows prospective parents to gain insights into their future child’s genetic makeup, which can be used to identify potential medical issues or even to select specific physical traits. While the potential benefits of genetic screening for medical purposes are clear, its application for non-medical purposes, such as choosing a child’s physical traits, raises several ethical concerns. This essay will examine these ethical implications, addressing issues related to eugenics, inequality, and the potential commodification of human life.

Eugenics

One of the primary ethical concerns regarding the use of genetic screening for non-medical purposes is the potential resurrection of eugenics, a discredited and dangerous ideology that has led to human rights abuses in the past. Eugenics is the belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding. By allowing parents to select their child’s physical traits, we may inadvertently encourage a belief in the superiority of certain traits and the inferiority of others. This could lead to a society that places undue importance on superficial characteristics, undermining the value of diversity and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Additionally, the pursuit of a homogenized, “ideal” human population could have unforeseen consequences for human evolution, as it may reduce genetic diversity and, therefore, humanity’s ability to adapt to changing environments or resist disease.

Inequality

Another major ethical concern related to genetic screening for non-medical purposes is the potential for exacerbating social and economic inequality. Access to genetic screening technology is likely to be limited to those who can afford it, which could result in a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Wealthier individuals may be able to afford genetic modifications that enhance their children’s physical attractiveness, intelligence, or athletic ability, further entrenching existing social hierarchies. Moreover, the use of genetic screening for non-medical purposes may contribute to a societal mindset that those without access to such technologies are somehow “lesser” or “undesirable,” leading to increased discrimination and marginalization.

Commodification of Human Life

The use of genetic screening to choose a child’s physical traits risks commodifying human life, reducing the value of a person to the sum of their genetic characteristics. By allowing parents to select their child’s traits, we may inadvertently promote a consumer-driven mentality in which children are seen as products to be tailored to the parents’ preferences. This mentality may encourage parents to prioritize superficial characteristics over the inherent value of a unique human life, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when a child does not meet the “ideal” standards set by their parents.

Conclusion

While genetic screening has the potential to provide valuable information to prospective parents and improve human health, its use for non-medical purposes raises significant ethical concerns. By selecting a child’s physical traits, we risk encouraging eugenic beliefs, exacerbating social and economic inequality, and commodifying human life. To ensure that genetic screening technologies are used ethically and responsibly, it is essential to engage in ongoing public debate and establish legal and regulatory frameworks that protect individual rights, promote diversity, and uphold the inherent value of human life.

Ultimately, as we continue to grapple with the ethical implications of genetic screening for non-medical purposes, it is essential to strike a balance between the potential benefits of these technologies and the potential harm they may cause. By fostering an open, inclusive dialogue about the ethical use of genetic screening, we can work together to shape a future where the benefits of genetic technologies are shared equitably and responsibly, without compromising the values that make us human.