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The Ethics of Gene Editing: A Moral Dilemma

 

The Ethics of Gene Editing: A Moral Dilemma

By Dr. Jonty Jayant Richards

 


 

The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool has opened up new possibilities for treating genetic diseases and improving human health. However, as we begin to explore the potential of gene editing, we're also facing a complex moral dilemma.

On one hand, gene editing has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. By editing out the faulty genes responsible for these conditions, we could potentially eradicate them altogether. This raises the question: should we use gene editing to "cure" genetic diseases, even if it means altering the human genome in the process?

On the other hand, gene editing also raises concerns about the potential for designer babies and the manipulation of human traits. If we can edit out genetic diseases, why not edit in desirable traits, such as intelligence, athleticism, or physical appearance? This raises questions about the ethics of playing God and the potential for social and economic inequalities.

 


 

The Debate

There are two main perspectives on this issue:

  • The "therapeutic" perspective: Gene editing should only be used to treat genetic diseases, and not for non-therapeutic purposes such as enhancing physical or cognitive abilities.
  • The "enhancement" perspective: Gene editing should be allowed for non-therapeutic purposes, as long as it's done safely and with informed consent.


The Consequences

The consequences of gene editing are still largely unknown, but they could be significant. If we allow gene editing for non-therapeutic purposes, we risk creating a new class of superhumans, with potentially devastating social and economic consequences.

 

What's at Stake?

The debate over gene editing is not just about science; it's also about ethics, morality, and the future of humanity. We need to consider the potential consequences of gene editing and make informed decisions about how to proceed.

 

What Can We Do?

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Establish clear guidelines: Governments and regulatory bodies should establish clear guidelines for the use of gene editing, including strict regulations for non-therapeutic purposes.
  • Encourage public debate: The public should be engaged in the debate over gene editing, and their opinions and concerns should be taken into account.
  • Invest in research: More research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of gene editing and to develop safe and effective methods for its use.

References

  • National Academy of Sciences (2016). Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance.
  • World Health Organization (2019). Human Genome Editing: A Framework for the Clinical Use of Gene Editing Technologies.

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