Human genetics : fabricating the future

Robert Song considers some of the fundamental causal factors - attitudes and beliefs as well as scientific and commercial pressures - which have governed developments in human genetics, discussing them in relation to central ethical questions raised by Christian theology.

Behind the development of technologies like genetic screening, cloning and 'designer babies', he argues, are dominant cultural aspirations to 'perfection' and absolute choice. 'In response to this there is a need for an alternative vision of society and the human good, one which is not driven by the hectoring necessities that generate the technological imperative.'