Gene Editing Essay

More than a decade after scientists have unraveled the human genome, there are attempts now by scientists across the globe to re-write it. Gene editing technologies have provided inexpensive ways to edit, delete, insert and modify genes in human cells. Correcting genetic defects sounds intriguing but people do worry about the extent of the possibilities. Some people are of the opinion that gene editing in embryos could benefit immensely as it would be able to eradicate terrible and life threatening genetic diseases even before the baby is born. Sounds good, doesn’t it? - But some people are of the impression that such kind of work though it sounds promising crosses the ethical boundaries because the genetic changes to these embryos which are

For instance, altering developmental genes with CRISPR/Cas9 could help to reveal their functions. “Some questions about early human development can only be addressed by studying human embryos,” [5]

In contrast to Dr. Lovell some other Oxford bioethicists like Chris Gyngell and Julian Savulescu argue that there is a "moral imperative to research editing embryos." The Chinese research is important because it increases our understanding about some of the risks involved in targeting humans with current gene editing techniques. [4]

Even before the Chinese scientists work was published, a group of leading scientists, bioethicists met in California to figure out a plan so that gene editing technology would not be misused in unethical ways. They say gene editing in human embryos, eggs and sperms should stop however research on non-viable embryos which would not lead to viable pregnancies should be continued. Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist at University of California, Berkley whose work led to the development of CRISPR organized this meeting when she came to know CRISPR was being used by scientists to change DNA in human embryos. [6]

The not so supportive