Gattaca - Genetic Screening and Manipulation

Does genetic screening and manipulation as presented in Gattaca evoke a new eugenics? Does this scenario seem credible given current scientific trends?

Yes, upon the birth of Vincent, just by drawing a drop of blood, they have determined the health problems that he will be likely to have in later part of his life. However for the second child Antonio, he has the "best" of both parents' genes, minus the negative traits such as heart diseases, as compared to Vincent.

In the short clip of Gattaca, Vincent is found to be "protected" by his parents, so much that even for the slightest illness like a cold, it is also seen as "life-threatening". However for Antonio, he is the "stronger" and "more perfect" sibling out of the two. Unlike Vincent who has 99% risk of heart disease, Antonio does not suffer from the same fate as his brother, due to genetic manipulation even before his birth.

In current scientific trends, genetic screening and manipulation is possible. One advantage is it allows the removal of hereditary diseases.

There are two categories of genetic manipulation - (i) Somatic (ii) Germline

Here are some links if you're interested to find out more information:

Ethical Issues in Genetic Screening

Human Germline Manipulation and Cloning as Women's Issues

Inheritable Genetic Modification

When do Doctors Recommend Genetic Testing?