James is a healthy 35 year old man. His wife, molly, is 37. Their only option to have children is through an IVF program. Because Molly is over 35 they have also chosen to have their embyro tested for genetic diseases before implantation. The embryo is found to be free of genetic defects, but this testing reveals the child will be a boy who will only be about 160cm in height.

Bill has heard of a new gene therapy that has been developed to increase height as treatment for dwarfism. The treatment involves insterting the "H" gene into the fertilised egg (Germ line gene therapy). There is a very small chance (1 in 1 million) of creating a break in the DNA (mutation) that the child will develop cancer.

Bill and Molly ask their docotor to insert the "H" gene into the fertilised egg. They both are of the opinion that taller people have more options open to them and have a general advantage in life, especially in sports like football and basketball. Bill himself was a keen basketballer but always felt had he been taller, he could have excelled to increase by 20 - 30 cm if the gene is inserted. This treatment will cost Bill and Molly $10,000 which they believe is a good investment for their unborn child.

What are the advantages of this treatment?
What are the disadvantages of this treatment?
Should the parents proceed with the therapies and why?