From an evolutionary perspective, diversity in the gene pool increases the chances that a species will survive. In humans, most variations aren't going to have much impact on our survival, such as eye color, or whether sunlight gives us freckles.
However, there are some genes that cause diseases and disorders, such as an inclination towards cancer. Most people would label these genes as "bad," because they lower the quality of life, or end it all together. It would make sense that removing these genes from our gene pool would then be a "good" thing.
There is only one problem. Wouldn't that reduce the variation in our gene pool? If we were to accomplish the removal of these "bad" genes, could the reduction in diversity ultimately be harmful to the survival of our species?
I would like this discussion to focus solely on the medical and evolutionary aspects.
I would not like this discussion to focus on the social aspects or the specific mechanism by which we might accomplish the removal of disease causing genes.
Suggested forum: Biological evolution
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