"Rather, the decisions are made by the general public. Public opinion is most important in almost all cases involving of change or social reform. Studies have been conducted to study how the public would act when presented with the oppurtunity to design a "future" baby.'' (The Prospect of Designer Babies: Is it Inevitable?, Michael Catalano; PIT Journal, Cycle 3 2012)
The United States federal law does not regulate ''Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)'' which is the method used to screen for diseases and cystic fibrosis or genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome. The government has left the decision of whether or not selecting and embryo's genetic make up is acceptable to the general public and fertility specialists. In order to regulate PGD procedures, the government's focus would have to be at the state level, giving permission to state senators to hold votes in order to allow procedures such as PGD and permit designer babies.
''Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms.'' (Wikipedia, Genetic Engineering)
The first step of genetic manipulation is to choose the gene that will be inserted into the organism. The chosen gene can be isolated by using Restriction Enzymes and seperated into a chosen length by Gel Electrophoresis. ''Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)'' can also be used to multiply up a part of the gene, which can then be isolated through gel electrophoresis.
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