Designing Babies

Whenever we contemplate advances in reproductive technology, ""the interests of children should always be uppermost,"" contends Gosden (Cheating Time), a reproductive biologist and medical doctor. In this slim, enticing volume, Gosden presents a conglomeration of evolutionary biology, basic population genetics, scientific history and rudimentary human physiology, along with an overview of various techniques in assisted reproductive technology, some actual and some fanciful, including in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation of ovaries, attempts at separating male from female sperm, cloning and the creation of artificial wombs. Throughout, Gosden holds that we have nothing to fear from any of these possibilities since none can ever become the dominant form of human reproduction. Many, however, have already improved the quality of life for individuals previously unable to conceive or bear children. Gosden argues that governments have become far too involved in regulating the field of assisted reproduction, largely out of ignorance and misplaced fear. Further, he maintains that in a world where travel among various jurisdictions is easy, regulation is doomed to fail, so doctors and patients should be able to undertake any procedure that is apt to lead to the creation of healthy new lives. Though many will certainly take issue with some of his points, Gosden's lively, clear prose and his knack for explicating complex procedures make his book as enjoyable as it is informative. (May)