Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates “Prohibit Genetically Engineered Babies” at Kaufman Center, February 13th

New York, NY— January 23, 2013 — On February 13, Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US) will continue its Spring 2013 season with the debate “Prohibit Genetically Engineered Babies.” Imagine a world free of genetic diseases, where parents control their offspring’s height, eye color and intelligence. The science may be closer than you think. Genes interact in ways that we don’t fully understand and there could be unintended consequences, new diseases that result from our tinkering. But even if the science could be perfected, is it morally wrong? Would it lead to eugenics and a stratified society where only the rich enjoy the benefits of genetic enhancement? Or would the real injustice be depriving our children of every scientifically possible opportunity?

Sheldon Krimsky, Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tufts University and Chair of the Center for Responsible Genetics with Lord Robert Winston, Professor of Science and Society at Imperial College London will argue in support of the motion. Nita Farahany, Professor of Law and Genome Sciences and Policy at Duke University with Lee Silver, author and Professor at Princeton will argue against the motion.

Intelligence Squared U.S.'s spring season debates are streamed live on Fora.tv. Debates also air on more than 220 NPR stations nationwide and are televised nationally on PBS and in the New York area on WNET/Thirteen, WLIW, and NJTV.

WHAT: Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates “Prohibit Genetically Engineered Babies”
WHEN: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 / Reception 5:45-6:30 / Debate 6:45-8:30 PM
WHERE: Kaufman Center/129 W. 67th Street (bet. Broadway and Amsterdam)/New York, NY 10023
TICKETS: $40 ($12 for students w/ID). To purchase, visit http://www.iq2us.org

The debate will take place in front of a live audience at Kaufman Center in New York City. Before the debate, audience members will vote on the motion; afterward, the audience votes again. The team that moves the most voters to its side will be the winning team in this provocative debate.

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATES (IQ2US)
Named One of "Five Podcasts that Will Change the Way You Think" by Forbes, Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded in New York City in 2006 by Robert Rosenkranz, and has grown into an internationally syndicated series heard and watched by millions. The debates have attracted some of the world's top thinkers including Paul Krugman, Karl Rove, Malcolm Gladwell, Alan Dershowitz, Peter Thiel and Arianna Huffington. Intelligence Squared U.S. has presented nearly 70 debates on a wide range of provocative topics including global warming, the financial crisis, the marketing of organic foods, and the death of mainstream media. ABC News correspondent John Donvan is the moderator, and the executive producer is Dana Wolfe.
 
For more information about Intelligence Squared U.S., please contact Andrea Bussell (abussell@shorefire.com), Rebecca Shapiro (rshapiro@shorefire.com) or Mark Satlof (msatlof@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171.