Humankind is currently witnessing an unprecedented revolution in the science of genetics but struggling with the moral dilemmas that these advances have created. With the Human Genome Project, gene therapy, and evidence that genes are directly linked to homosexuality, intelligence, and obesity, we see that genetic discoveries may have the power to change the course of human life. Critics condemn genetic technology as "playing God," while optimists promise genetic cures for every disease, an enhanced human nature, or the emancipation of women through technology. Both camps agree that we need to develop a radically new ethics for this era. The Perfect Baby is a clarion call for a more realistic discussion of biotechnology. McGee challenges the common assumption that we are essentially determined by a genetic blueprint. He denies the necessity of a new "Genethics," arguing that the wisdom we need can be found in the everyday experience of parents. The Perfect Baby dramatically alters the terms of the moral debate for parents, policymakers, scientists, philosophers, theologians, and physicians.

"A book for those perplexed by the philosophical and ethical conundrums of genetics in the 21st century." - CHOICE

"McGee's application of the pragmatic method to issues in bioethics is both timely and effective. McGee's excellent final chapters will give students of all levels a perspective that cannot be found in other books of the kind." - APA Newsletter on Teaching Philosophy

"McGee's book breathes all the virtues of a pioneering work. it puts the issue of human genetic engineering in a fresh perspective, draws the attention to many valuable points, and raises a number of important questions." - Newsletter Of The Society For The Advancement Of American

"McGee's well-written and intriguing new book adds little to the content . . . .he does offer a unique and much needed practical approach to the critical analysis of the relevant issues." - Phil Review, Vol. Xvii N0.. 4-6 Aug.-Dec. 97

"McGee's book is an excellent introduction to the issues and he provides especially good treatments of the nature/nurture debate and the relationship between genetics and allocation decisions. Many will find his views provocative. His work is breezy and fun to read." - Ethics: An International Journal of Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy, Jan. 1998

"So where do ordinary folk, faced with a life-or-death decision, get some useful information? This book might be a good starting ground." - Sunday, June 29, 1997

"Finally— a good book about genetics— that makes these fascinating issues understandable to the families who need to know." - N. P. R.'S Voices In The Family

". . . useful to just about everyone who must grapple with the new genetics." - The Washington Times

"The book is appropriately directed to a diverse audience and makes refreshing use of plain language to address relevant issues present in the choices we must now make in everyday life." - Nature Medicine, Vol. 3 No. 6

"McGee develops a very powerful line of reasoning about genetic enhancement." - The Philadelphia Inquirer

"[McGee sees] the real task as helping ordinary families "who are trying to decide about genetic tests" so he explains them with humor and understanding. This is an important book in the continuing exploration of bioethics!" - The Troy Citizen

"McGee's analysis leads, among other things, to some important proposals on health insurance policy and a probing, helpful discussion of genetic enhancement engineering. This is a lively and readable book, useful in both theological and philosophical discussions." - Religious Studies Review, Vol.24, No.2, April 1998

"McGee provides a highly readable and informative account of current and future uses of genetic technology." - Bioethics