Abstract

SALDANA-TEJEDA, Abril. Genomics and Eugenics: New Imaginaries of Reproduction and Old State Racism. Estud. sociol [online]. 2022, vol.40, n.spe, pp.151-178.  Epub Sep 22, 2023. ISSN 2448-6442.  https://doi.org/10.24201/es.2022v40nespecial.2081.

The article explores genomics and its biologizing ideas about race. It problematizes the notions of “choice” and “autonomy” that tend to support arguments in favor of heritable human genome editing. It warns about the risks of a neoliberal eugenics that reproduces, from individuals and no longer from the state, known racial hierarchies. The implications of the reiteration of race as a biological reality are discussed. The article argues that the new life sciences pose challenges that particularly affect women and negatively racialized populations. Without a proper legislative framework, these technologies could open the door to a new eugenic project with unprecedented power.

Keywords : genomics; eugenics; racism; assisted reproduction.