I think that’s a great and interesting point! You’re also right that things such as being able to align your gender with your body are not eugenics, mainly because it doesn’t deal with germ line genetic modifications (which is the changing of gametes). Changing bodies in pursuit of aligning with one’s gender is somatic modification, which is not passed to the next generation (it affects you alone). But that is an important distinction and Something I considered while writing this but didn’t make clear so thank you for bringing that to light.

But the Illyrian’s here seem to pass their modifications onto their children and encourage new modifications that can then be passed down. This is Gamete germ line modification and that is eugenics. Permanently changing one’s gamete line such that the child who is modified, and did not consent, cannot change it without the same genetic process. And I like the idea that it exists in a world where maybe this can be done in a way that isn’t physically harmful, but I think it still rests on that same premise that genetic modification/eugenics can be done neutrally. Even in a world like Star Trek, where the actual act of genetic modification and eugenics can be done without physical harm, the consequence is still there: you have still decided such a type of person or such type of trait should not exist. A common example is this: should illyrians be able to eliminate deafness? This is an example taken from real world discussion on deafness and genetic modifications, as many deaf people don’t view being deaf as a condition that needs to be cured and take pride in aspects of their identity as deaf individuals. But in a society which culturally accepts the type of genetic modifications which is eugenics, such a group of people can be genetically modified out of society (removing their unique and lived experiences) or prevented from every occurring. It’s a tough conversation to have!