Wednesday, August 26, 2026

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.
On today’s edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses The Economist’s argument for embryo selection on the basis of disease resistance and IQ, how IVF led to the trend of designer babies, and the outsized life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
Part I (00:14 – 07:08)
We Have Reached the Age of Designer Babies: One of the Most Influential Publications in the World Argues for Embryo Selection on the Basis of Disease Resistance and IQ

• In praise of designer-ish babies: Couples should be allowed to select embryos on the basis of both disease resistance and IQ by The Economist
• The Next Parenting Trend Starts Before Conception by The New York Times (Ross Douthat and Noor Siddiqui)

Part II (07:08 – 17:54)
The Slippery Slope of IVF: The Arrival of the Trend of Designer Babies Began with IVF Technology
Part III (17:54 – 26:14)
Dolly Parton Dies at Age 80: The Outsized Life and Legacy of American Country Music Icon Dolly Parton

• Dolly Parton, country music singer and cultural icon, dies at 80 by The Washington Post (Emily Langer)

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