'Designer Baby' Debate
This debate was held on 21 October 2004 in conjunction with Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust. It was the first time that sixth form students had been invited to the Hospital’s R&D (Research and Development) exhibition.
Nowgen organised a debate about reproductive technologies and explored some of the myths about designer babies. This was part of a broader career’s event in which the students met different health professionals and considered possible future options.
Almost 200 A-level students attended and their feedback showed that they enjoyed and learnt from the experience.
Students asking questions 
Speakers were:
- Professor Dian Donnai
(Consultant Clinical Geneticist)
She explained what genetic testing is available to patients, emphasising that screening embryos is only possible for a small number of patients.
- Professor Brian Lieberman
(Consultant Gynaecologist)
He described how IVF and genetic screening is done and explained how hard it is for patients to go through this process.
- Dr Tracey Johnston
(Consultant in Fetal Maternal Medicine)
She explained what screening choices are available, such as ultrasound and amniocentesis, and how these might change in the future.
Chaired by Lauren Kerzin-Storrar
(Senior Genetic Counsellor)
