Abstract
Fair skin is often regarded as a beauty ideal in many parts of the world. Genetic selection for non-disease traits may allow reproducers to select fair skin for the purposes of beauty, and may be justified under various procreative principles. In this paper I assess the ethics of genetic selection for fair skin as a beauty feature. In particular, I explore the discriminatory aspects and demands of such selection. Using race and colour hierarchies that many would find objectionable, I argue that selection for beauty that is underpinned by such hierarchies is not a trivial selection. Given this, I claim that we should not make such selections.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 246–268 |
Journal | Health Care Analysis |
Volume | 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Mar 2017 |
Keywords
- Beauty
- Fair skin
- Race
- Colour
- Discrimination
- Genetic selection
- Procreative beneficence
- Procreative autonomy