After taking genetic information from a same-sex couple to generate DNA data for the children they might have together, the results were used to produce “family photographs.” Though a same-sex couple cannot conceive a child using current technology, based on the genetic information it is possible to predict what kind of baby they would have. After obtaining the couple’s DNA data from a genetic analysis service called “23andMe” and uploading it to the (Im)possible Baby Simulator, the program randomly generated genetic profiles for their children. With advances in stem-cell research, having children may no longer be a fantasy for same-sex couples. Even if it becomes technically possible, there are ethical issues that must be addressed before the procedure can actually be used. Who is qualified to decide whether such a procedure is right or wrong? The work explores how art can provide people with an opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that are related to scientific technology.

Credit: © Ai Hasegawa

Supported by MIT Media Lab Design Fiction Group