Stunning Medical Progress

[magicstix]

Originally Posted by August

Maybe because it would give some an unfair advantage in some way. Sports would be one area that comes to mind.

It's also unfair to not let a person change something about themselves. Sports are already in trouble from performance enhancements.

What if we can replace a pitcher's damaged shoulder? Should we allow it or force him to retire? You could make the case that fixing his shoulder gives him an unfair advantage over those who have a natural ability to heal or whose anatomy/genes/etc prevented them from damaging their shoulder in the first place.

Life is already unfair. Money gives people an unfair advantage, so does natural born talent, good genes, social standing, random chance, etc... Who gets to decide what we're allowed to change about ourselves?

Is it unfair to let a person change themselves to have the same intellectual capacity as someone who was just lucky enough to be born with the right genes to make them smart?

What if someone wants to change their eye color, skin color, hair color, or even their gender altogether? What if they want to be taller? Or shorter? Or regrow their hair? What if they want to see in the dark? Who has the right to tell them they can't and why?

What meaning does race have when you can change your skin color?

What does sexual orientation or marriage mean when gender can be changed completely and perfectly?

What does it mean to be human if you can add "after-market parts" like a tail and cat ears or eyes that can see in the dark?

What are the implications on society when those with access to good healthcare are able to live forever?

A lot of those questions seem like science fiction, but they'll all almost certainly become a reality in the next 20-50 years. It'll change not only medicine, but society itself.