Student Summary:
A new technology called genetic engineering, which has begun research to eliminate Down Syndrome in a fetus, raises ethical and sociological issues regarding human lives. If geneticists and parents decide to genetically engineer their child, they are indicating that the a child with Down Syndrome does not have an enjoyable or worthy life. However, people with Down Syndrome have the potential to be integral to the community through more involvement in areas like the work force or the education system. Their involvement would offer a mutual blessing for the community and people with Down Syndrome. Not only would people with Down Syndrome receive education and employment, but the community would have a better understanding and a greater respect for people with the syndrome which would rid of some of the prejudice against them. The real problem is not the syndrome itself, but the way they are treated because they look and speak differently. If communities could understand and integrate people with Down Syndrome into their daily lives, the communities would experience greater unification.

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