1970. Paul Ramsey, an American Christian ethicist, publishes his book Fabricated Man: The Ethics of Genetic Control. This book examines eugenic themes such as the ramifications of genetic control, including birth control, artificial insemination and the potential effects on the human gene pool should the number of genetically poor individuals increase.

Ramsey’s book begins with the statement “The eugenic movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was based in the main upon biological and socioscientific misinformation or lack of information, and – what is worse – upon parochial if not elitist and racial views of the ideal type of man.” (Ramsey, 1970, p.1) While Ramsey appears at first to be writing against eugenics he continues on to warn the reader that due to an unstable pool of genes parents are passing on

“genetic deficiency from the previous generation [and] one out of every five persons now living (twenty percent) bears a deleterious mutation that has arisen with him and which he will pass on to or through any offspring he may have. The quality of human beings to be born could be maintained at its present level if, and only if, twenty percent of us become genetically extinct, either by failing to reach reproductive age or by not having children. The fact is that, because of our technical and medical competence and our proper concern for persons now alive we are enabling people to reach the age of reproduction, and to reproduce when they do, in greater numbers than would have been the case in former ages.” (Ramsey, 1970, p.3) Ramsey goes on to predict that if “deliberate control of the numbers born” is not taken then “with respect to the quality or the mental and physical strength of the population generally, it will be too late.” (Ramsey, 1970, p.3)

Ramsey uses diabetics as an example, stating that initially diabetics would not live to reproduce. Then once insulin was developed they might live but would still not reproduce (rendering them “genetically dead”). With modern developments that allow diabetic mothers to be safely delivered, Ramsey envisions a world of rapidly reproducing diabetics – and carriers of other unspecified diseases as well. (Ramsey, 1970, p.4) Ramsey also uses the example of the person who requires glasses, stating that while they may be fashionable or even allow the wearer to appear attractive, they are actually allowing genetically poor material to be passed along. He argues that “What is good for the individual [for example insulin shots or glasses] and the generation now alive, is bad for the human race.” (Ramsey, 1970, p.4)

In summary, Ramsey’s The Fabricated Man relies on old tactics to urge readers of the late twentieth century back toward a eugenic future. The book remains well-read and well-cited.

-Leslie Baker

• Ramsey, P. (1970). Fabricated Man: The Ethics of Genetic Control. London: Yale University Press.