Ms. Kahn is teaching her science class about genetic testing. Her students have a range of opinions about whether or not genetic testing should be regulated by the government.

“I don’t think parents should be doing genetic tests and picking out an embryo in a lab,” says Shana. “It’s wrong to make choices about a child’s future based on their genes.”

But what about parents who are carriers of a serious genetic disease like Spinal Muscular Atrophy?” Colleen replies. “A circumstance like that seems different to me. If parents could avoid passing on a serious disease, wouldn’t that be a good thing?”

Shana asks, “What does it mean to be a ‘carrier’ of the gene?”

“Maybe one of you can do some research to find out,” suggests Ms. Kahn.

Shana found this topic very interesting and decided to investigate this question. She found the following graphic to help her understand the way genes can move from generation to generation.

Discussion Question:

Science can help us understand reasons for things, but deciding whether something is right or wrong can be much more complicated. Have a class discussion about why issues related to genetics are controversial.