Safeguards needed now to prevent unethical genetic selection in future

Embryos should not be selected for behavioural traits such as sexual orientation, antisocial behaviour, and intelligence on the basis of genetic information, according to a report out this week from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

Although the report's authors acknowledge that research into links between genes and behaviour is in its early stages, they stress the need to examine ethical and social issues raised by potential developments now, in order to put safeguards in place for the future. “This is a potentially explosive area,” said Professor Bob Hepple, of Clare College, …