Theologians and scientists at the Francisco J. Ayala Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS) at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California, have edited this comprehensive volume. Editor-in-chief Ted Peters teaches systematic theology and ethics at the GTU. Partner editors include Robert John Russell, Ian G. Barbour Professor of Theology and Science at the GTU; Joshua Moritz, managing editor of the journal Theology and Science on behalf of CTNS; and Martinez Hewlett, Professor Emeritus of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona and adjunct professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the GTU.
Choices in reproductive technology have multiplied at a staggering rate. Is our society prepared to decided on issues about procreation such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, or genetic engineering such as "designer children", or selective abortion? How can we protect children - both born and unborn - who are conceived in these ways from being regarded as merchandise in the expanding marketplace of genetic services? Ted Peters sets out the challenges of these new technologies with clarity and precision. He looks anew at Christian theology and proposes an ethic "for the love of children". Peters contends that only by affirming all children and their claims upon parents will society deal constructively and ethically with the many reproductive choices available now and in the future.