The ethics of the new eugenics

The Ethics of the New Eugenics comprises research undertaken by a multidisciplinary team commissioned by the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics. Editors MacKellar and Bechtel quickly establish objectivity in the presentation of the study, which proves to be critical in this examination of the ethical consequences of eugenic procedures. The text begins with a thorough evaluation of the use of the word ‘eugenics’ itself, recognizing the negative connotations of historical programs associated with the word while successfully highlighting the importance of accurately employing a term that encompasses far more than the legacy of the Third Reich. As such, ‘this book allows that all strategies aimed at affecting or deciding the genetic heritage of a child, a community or humanity in general are eugenic procedures’ (9). The book states two goals: ‘to provide an introduction on the selection procedures that constitute the new eugenics’ (10), and ‘to stimulate and galvanize discussion in the public square – not merely in the ivory towers of academic – regarding where to draw a line between what is acceptable and what is not’ (11).

The second chapter of the text focuses on ‘The History of Eugenics’; the bulk of this chapter provides overviews of eugenic programs around the world, from historical development and social opinion to practice. The chapter ends with an outline of international developments on human rights, a topic that continues to be addressed throughout the text. The third and most substantial chapter of the text, ‘General Introduction to Eugenic Procedures,’ comprehensively examines procedures related to the perceived improvement of future children. Each procedure is systematically detailed, ethically analyzed with arguments both for and against, and addressed in regulatory context with attention to applicable international legislation. Also included in the examination of each procedure are the medical and non-medical reasons for potential employment, potential risks associated with the procedure, and potential overarching future consequences. Procedures covered in this chapter include selection through migration, reproductive partner, number of children, and adoption; sex, sperm and egg, and prenatal genetic selection; pre-implantation embryonic selection, selection through human cloning, and genetic modification; and selection through infanticide.

The remainder of the text addresses the encompassing ethicality of considering eugenic procedures. The fourth chapter presents a ‘General Ethical Discussion,’ calling attention to the precarious nature of ethically examining eugenics. Here, the impact of eugenic history is highlighted in order underscore the importance of adequately and appropriately evaluating current eugenic procedures; it is stated to be ‘imperative to examine the general arguments both in favour and opposed to the new eugenics in order to proportionally evaluate whether the novel procedures being proposed should be welcomed or shunned’ (119). The fifth and sixth chapters present ‘Arguments Supporting the New Eugenics’ and ‘Arguments Opposing the New Eugenics,’ respectively. These chapters effectively contemplate the ethical justifications both for and against eugenic procedures in a thoughtful, logical, and respectful manner. Among the topics covered are possible societal effects, exercise of reproductive freedom, potential for discrimination, and influence on current and future recognitions of disability. Both sides are objectively contextualized, producing a thorough evaluation of the potential impacts of eugenic procedures which emphasizes that no action, or inaction, is without consequence.

Despite a commendably extensive consideration of current and future reproductive technology, this text is not without shortcomings. Notably absent is coverage of Canadian history, beyond cursory mention of its existence, and its current legislative status related to disability, reproductive developments, and rights; this omission appears to be an unfortunate oversight, given the broad coverage of international history and repeated mention of international, UK, and US legislation. This may also be attributed to the text’s Scottish commission, understandably justifying what could otherwise be considered an uneven focus. Further, it is critical to note that the text suggests procedures such as sterilization to be ‘eugenic movements of the past’, stating ‘of course, these procedures are now seen as reprehensible’ (118). While ‘reprehensible’ is an appropriate categorization, such programs are unfortunately not entirely relegated to the twentieth century as is suggested; as recently as 2010, female inmates in California prisons deemed likely to reoffend were coercively sterilized, indicating eugenic ideals and practices continue to exist beyond the methods of assisted reproductive technology outlined in the text (Johnson 2013).

Nonetheless, the study succeeds in its primary goals of producing a thorough introduction to selection procedures that is accessible to readers beyond academia. The appendix containing ideological backgrounds and quotes of individuals relevant to eugenic history, in addition to the clear glossary of terms, provide worthwhile support to the previous chapters. The writing is well organized and clear, quite a feat given the philosophical quandaries it tackles. Overall, The Ethics of the New Eugenics provides a solid, relevant foundation for research into biotechnology and the current era of eugenics.

Tiffani Semach
University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
[email protected]
© 2015, Tiffani Semach
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2015.1045353