Pronatalism, Silicon Valley, and the New Eugenics | Emma Waters
Brave New Us: Choosing Human in the Age of Biotechnology
What happens when creating a child becomes a consumer choice? In this provocative episode of Brave New Us, research associate at the Heritage Foundation Emma Waters joins host Samantha Stephenson to break down the rising trend of embryo screening, designer genetics, and artificial wombs. From Elon Musk's child-maxxing to CRISPR enhancements and Build-a-Baby startups like Nucleus Genomics and Orchid, we explore how reproductive technologies are reshaping what it means to become a parent—and what’s at stake for the children created through these tools.If you've ever asked yourself: • Is embryo selection a form of modern eugenics? • Can we separate desire from design in the future of family building? • Are children becoming products instead of persons? • What's the difference between healing and enhancement in genetic medicine?Topics Covered:Why "have healthy babies" is a deceptive marketing sloganThe ethics of picking embryos based on IQ, personality, or sexThe rise of child-maxxing among elites like Elon MuskWhy "designer babies" deepen inequality and threaten parent-child loveWhat three-parent embryos and artificial gametes mean for the future of familyThe philosophy behind eugenics—and why it's rebranded, not goneWhen CRISPR gene editing might cross the line from healing to hubrisWhy strong families—not just birthrates—should be the goal of pronatalismMentioned in the EpisodeEmma Waters’ work on pronatalism and reproductive ethicsConnect with Emma on X (Twitter)New Atlantis article: Stop Hacking HumansPublic Discourse article: The Pronatalism and Silicon ValleyLeave a Review + Share the Show If this conversation made you think differently about the future of family, science, and ethics, please:Rate and review Brave New Us on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend or on social mediaKeep the conversation going at bravenewus.substack.com
About Podcast
From gene editing and artificial wombs to brain implants and digital immortality—what does it mean to be human in a world trying to remake us?
Brave New Us explores how emerging technologies are reshaping what it means to be human. Hosted by Catholic bioethicist and author Samantha Stephenson, the podcast sits at the crossroads of faith, science, and ethics, featuring expert interviews and incisive commentary on biotechnology, AI, transhumanism, reproductive technologies, human enhancement, and the moral questions they raise.
Whether you're questioning the ethics of cutting-edge science, navigating a rapidly changing technological world, or simply seeking clarity in an age of unprecedented innovation, Brave New Us will help you think critically, live intentionally, and choose what is deeply human.
Samantha Stephenson holds master's degrees in theology and bioethics, served as a Paul Ramsey Fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Culture, and taught for the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. She is the author of several books helping readers grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world. In addition to hosting the Brave New Us podcast, Samantha writes the Choosing Human newsletter on Substack where she explores faith, family, and the future of being human. Learn more at www.snstephenson.com.
Subscribe now—and stay human in an age that’s forgetting how.