How to get your dreamlike child: An overview of ethical theories and multi-level governance related to recent biotechnological practices of child selection and design.

This thesis develops around the implications of new biotechnologies applicable in artificial reproduction following the trend toward perfectionism: child selection through prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD) corresponds to the choice of the embryo based on its characteristics, while child design means the ad hoc creation of that embryo artificially composing or modifying the human genome. Although these practices seem to comply with parental desires, they challenge the essence of humanity. After a general introduction and a description of clinical aspects, the first part is devoted to a reflection on the main opposing ethical stances, where bioconservatives and transhumanists clash, represented by Michael Sandel and Julian Savulescu respectively. The second part is instead committed to analyzing how these techniques are handled at global, European and Italian levels. Such study has been carried out by evaluating norms, conventions, official publications, statements and opinions of institutions and bioethical committees at each level. Differently from the open-mindedness promoted by part of the population, governances tend to be cautious and limit the possibility to perform the two practices for the moment. Yet, given their potential benefits to humankind and the increasing social approval, regulations could be influenced by public involvement in discussions.