Genetic Engineering

[Yewma]

I'm new to the critical thinking forum, but I've read all the rules, and I hope this is the right type of thread for this forum. I got into discussion with my biology teacher about genetic engineering that went on for quite some time, and got interested in it. More specifically, people's opinions on whether or not it should be allowed, and if so, with what restrictions?

There are reports of several clinics helping couples to engineer a child with a disability such as blindness or dwarfism, because one of the parents had it and wanted their child to. Should this be their right as the parent? I don't have a source for these reports, but my biology teacher discussed it with me and I see no reason for her to have been lying. On an even more basic level, should parents be allowed to alter their child's genetic makeup at all? If they didn't want their child to be born blind, epileptic, or with some other disability, should they be able to choose that?

This brought me to thinking about cloning, and the possibilities it represents. Do you think it is morally appropriate or not? Also, if it became a regular thing, would it diminish our value as human beings? Many people believe that things can be labeled with a price, but a human life is priceless. Once we know the price of cloning a human being, or any being at all, we can determine it's value, but would that be mistaken for it's worth?

Just the ramblings of a bored 15 year old.. I'd still like to hear everyone's opinions on this sort of thing. Also, I just realized I didn't check to see if there was already a thread about this around, but I've already typed all this, so I'm going to risk it and post this.