Archive · 20 Nov 2025
IVF Clinic Offers 'Designer Babies' Based on Genetic Preferences
A new company called Nucleus Genomics is helping parents choose the traits of their babies before they're born.
They use special tests to look at the baby's DNA and see what they might look like or if they might get sick.
Some people think this is a good way to keep babies healthy, but others worry it might lead to people thinking some babies are better than others because of their genes.
The company says they're just trying to help people have healthier babies, but it's a complicated issue.
Nucleus Genomics, a New York-based startup, is offering a new service to influence the traits of babies conceived through IVF.
The company uses whole-genome sequencing to predict traits like eye color, height, and potential health risks.
Parents can input their preferences, and the system matches them with the closest embryo profile.
The service has raised ethical concerns about designing babies to order and normalizing superiority based on genetics.
Nucleus Genomics has raised $32 million from investors and promises not to sell user data without consent.
- Who
- Nucleus Genomics, a New York-based startup
- What
- Offers a service to influence the traits of babies conceived through IVF
- When
- The service is currently available
- Where
- New York, USA
- Why
- To help parents have healthier babies and prevent diseases
Pros of Designer Babies
Cons of Designer Babies
Preventing Diseases
Pros of Designer Babies
Allows parents to choose embryos with lower risk of genetic diseases
Cons of Designer Babies
Could lead to parents discarding embryos with certain conditions, devaluing disabled lives
Physical Appearance
Pros of Designer Babies
Offers parents the chance to have a baby that looks like them or fits their preferences
Cons of Designer Babies
Normalizes the idea that some babies are 'better' than others based on appearance
Intelligence
Pros of Designer Babies
Potential to increase the likelihood of higher IQ in offspring
Cons of Designer Babies
Could exacerbate social inequalities and create a 'cognitive elite'
- Founding Year
- 2021
- Founder
- Kian Sadeghi
- Investors
- Seven Seven Six, Founders Fund
- Number of Traits Predicted
- Over 2,000