GENETIC SELECTION

Scientist uses Family History to Justify Actions
10/03/2025

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	Ryan Kaye with former wife Jennifer
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Eminent geneticist, Ryan Kaye, has spoken out in favour of genetic screening and selection and has used his family history and past experiences to justify the selection of his own son.

When he and his former wife, Jennifer, were starting their family in summer 2010, they discovered that they were both carriers of the genetic disorder, Friedreich’s ataxia. They both agreed to genetic selection for a child who was free of Friedreich’s ataxia, but Ryan Kaye went even further and selected for gender and a predisposition to athleticism. Despite the fact that he undertook this selection without his wife’s knowledge or agreement, Mr. Kaye has defended his decision. "I had to pick one and all I did was pick the best. All parents want what is best for their children".

"I wanted to protect my son from going through the same pain and humiliation my sister Annie had to go through. She was so energetic, so full of life, until the Friedreich’s began to progress." Annie Kaye (16) had been a promising footballer on the fringe of the England squad, when the symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia first began to present themselves.

Ryan has also used his sister’s illness to explain why he decided to select for gender and athletic characteristics, against his wife’s wishes. "My sister made me promise to do the best I could for my children, to give them everything without any compromises and that’s all I did, I did the very best I could for my son."