In vitro fertilization (IVF) technology now allows prospective parents to screen embryos for various genetic traits and health conditions. While this capability offers the potential to prevent serious hereditary diseases, it has sparked a broader debate regarding the moral implications of 'designing' or selecting embryos based on specific characteristics. Proponents of genetic screening argue that it is a responsible way to ensure a child's well-being and reduce the likelihood of suffering from preventable health issues. They view the technology as an extension of standard prenatal care.

Conversely, critics raise concerns that this practice mirrors historical eugenics, where society sought to 'improve' the human gene pool by selecting for desirable traits. The central tension lies in determining where the pursuit of a 'healthier' baby ends and the problematic practice of selecting for non-medical traits begins. Ethical frameworks, such as value pluralism, suggest that parents may hold multiple, conflicting, yet equally valid values when making these decisions. For instance, a parent may value both the autonomy to make reproductive choices and the desire to avoid societal harm associated with genetic discrimination. Because the technology is evolving faster than public policy, there is no consensus on where to draw the line between therapeutic intervention and elective enhancement.