Recent advertisements on social media and in public spaces like the New York subway present genetic embryo selection as a way to have a 'healthier baby' or even a 'better baby.' Slogans such as 'Have your best baby' or 'genetically optimized' suggest that it might be possible to choose embryos with better predictions for traits like height, intelligence, or lower disease risk. This raises significant ethical and scientific discussions regarding the implications of such selections.

To understand the debate on genetic selection, it's crucial to consider that techniques for embryo analysis prior to transfer in fertility treatments have been available for years. These methods were originally designed to help families avoid the transmission of severe hereditary diseases. However, as the narrative shifts towards optimizing embryos for desirable traits, ethical concerns emerge about the extent of parental choice and the potential long-term consequences for society, particularly in reinforcing existing social inequalities.

Experts are voicing concerns that while the technology holds promise for certain medical applications, its expansion into choosing non-medical traits could lead to a slippery slope of 'designer babies.' This not only complicates the medical landscape but also poses questions around equal access to such technologies and the societal implications of allowing such selections as a norm. The conversation about genetic selection is complex, blending science, ethics, and social responsibility.