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. 2014 Jan;5(1):4-12.
doi: 10.1080/21507740.2013.863242.

Brave New Love: The Threat of High-Tech "Conversion" Therapy and the Bio-Oppression of Sexual Minorities

Brian D Earp  1 , Anders Sandberg  1 , Julian Savulescu  1
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Brave New Love: The Threat of High-Tech "Conversion" Therapy and the Bio-Oppression of Sexual Minorities

Brian D Earp et al. AJOB Neurosci. 2014 Jan.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Our understanding of the neurochemical bases of human love and attachment, as well as of the genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and experiential factors that conspire to shape an individual's sexual orientation, is increasing exponentially. This research raises the vexing possibility that we may one day be equipped to modify such variables directly, allowing for the creation of "high-tech" conversion therapies or other suspect interventions. In this article, we discuss the ethics surrounding such a possibility, and call for the development of legal and procedural safeguards for protecting vulnerable children from the application of such technology. We also consider the more difficult case of voluntary, adult "conversion" and argue that in rare cases, such attempts might be permissible under strict conditions.

Keywords: Conversion therapy; biotechnology; gay conversion; love drugs; neuroenhancement; values.

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