Orphans in the Brave New World (part 2)

I wrote earlier this week about a woman in San Antonio named Jennalee Ryan who is selling designer embryos to interested buyers who want have children. In my earlier post I noted the ethical problems associated with her business. Today the Associate Press reports that Ryan is under investigation by the FDA.

People have questioned whether Ryan’s business amounts to eugenics. One section from the AP story is particularly illuminating in this regard:

Ryan’s service involves a New York physician who uses donated eggs and sperm to create embryos that can be bought for $5,000 a pair. Ryan said she allows customers to choose embryos after reviewing the donors’ characteristics, including their ethnic and educational background and, in some cases, their photos.

“Who wants an ugly, stupid kid?” she said.