Module IV·Article I·~1 min read
Bioethics: Life, Death, and Genome Editing
Ethics at the Cutting Edge
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CRISPR and Moral Boundaries
CRISPR-Cas9 enables genome editing with unprecedented precision. In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the first genetically edited children — twins Lulu and Nana. International scientific reaction: condemnation. Why?
Editing somatic cells (adult human) — therapy. Editing the germline (embryo) — alteration of the inheritable genome. This affects future people who could not give consent. Is this "designer children"? Genetic advantage for the wealthy?
Arguments For and Against
For: elimination of hereditary diseases (Huntington’s, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia). Against: cannot obtain the subject’s consent; unpredictable long-term consequences; risk of "genetic stratification" of society; where is the boundary between treatment and "enhancement"?
Question for reflection: Where do you draw the line: treating vs enhancing? How does the principle of "informed consent" apply to people not yet born?
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