Quotes / Designer Babies

Oh, happy day, when miracles take place
And scientists control the human race,
When we assume authority of human chromosomes,
And assembly-line women,
Conveyor-belt men
Settle down in push-button homes.

—Li'l Abner, "Oh, Happy Day"

"How could you do something like that? That's horrible, going around altering the genetics of babies! How could you do that to my parents?"

— Children of an Elder God

"They used to say that a child conceived in love has a greater chance of happiness. They don't say that anymore."

— Vincent, Gattaca

In the year 6565
Ain't gonna need no husband, won't need no wife
You'll pick your sons, pick your daughters too
From the bottom of a long glass tube
Whoa-oh-oh.

— Zager and Evans, "In the Year 2525"

On Krypton, natural births had been banned centuries ago. All Kryptonians were born in test tubes and large lab vats. Only a few bloodlines were used in the process of a caste system. Warrior, Worker, and Leader were only a few varieties created and had no way of changing their fates. If you were a soldier, you stayed a soldier for life regardless of your own choice.
Kara-El was born to be a soldier but something went wrong with her genetic makeup. Normal traits excluded from Soldier Class were in her DNA. Emotions especially compassion were things that were not wanted on the battlefield. But the codex process wasn't perfect. Sometimes children were born with a flawed genetic makeup.

— Daughter of Fire and Steel

"Every citizen is born exactly as designed by the community. Impeccable, both physically and mentally. We control the DNA of our progeny, germinating them in birthing pods."

—Sovereign Ayesha, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

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