The progress in genetic science has become revolutionary, prompting many people all over the world to think of procedures and methods that can help address and potentially eliminate different genetic issues.
One of these solutions that are being considered is gene editing. While it has raised ethical concerns, scientists continue to study and unravel its importance in addressing medical issues.
Who is considering genetic editing of embryos?
Recently, another scientist named Dr. He Jiankui has revealed that he also plans to genetically edit embryos. This news comes after the controversy surrounding the editing of babies which he was also responsible for.
In 2018, he announced that he created genetically edited humans via a process known as CRISPR. This news sparked mixed reactions, causing a global uproar because it raised several ethical issues.
What is Gene Editing?
Gene editing is the use of various methods to change or alter an organism’s DNA. It is a process that involves the insertion, deletion, or replacement of genes in a specific organism or cell.
It aims to modify genes responsible for certain genetic conditions or diseases, making it possible to eradicate them from the genome entirely. It’s done using different methods, including CRISPR, TALEN, and ZFN.
Why is gene editing controversial?
The controversy surrounding gene editing stems from the ethical concerns and uncertainty that altering human genes may cause. It also raises the fear of breeding superhumans or providing some with undesirable physical qualities.
The idea of playing god and who gets the right to edit genes in embryos raises concerns over social justice and discrimination. It is essential to remember that this is still a new field of study, and there is a lot that we do not know about gene-editing and the long-term effects it may have on individuals.
How was Dr. He Jiankui involved in gene editing in 2018?
In 2018, Dr. He Jiankui shocked the world when he announced that he had edited the genes of the first babies using CRISPR in an undisclosed location in China. He Jiankui carried out this procedure on two embryos, which then developed into twin girls.
He genetically altered the genes using CRISPR to make the babies immune to the HIV virus, which their biological father has. This is the first and only time a human gene has been edited and has raised serious ethical and moral issues.
Dr. He’s Reasons for Gene Editing
Just like creating a designer baby has been the dream of many couples worldwide seeking to have a child with desired characteristics, Dr, He also aimed to provide the parents with children carrying the desired qualities.
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In the case of his experiment, he sought to make the twin girls immune to the HIV virus, which their biological father carries.
The Propagation of Concerns
Many scientists worldwide have protested the method used by Dr. He and his non-compliance with global guidelines on gene-editing.
The scientific community shares concern on the lack of clinical approval before experimenting with gene-editing, and most importantly, the lack of transparency. Even the Chinese government has condemned his actions, and after an investigation by the Chinese government, he was sentenced to prison for three years for violating scientific research regulations.
Dr. He’s Current Ambition
Despite all the obstacles and controversy surrounding his previous gene-editing experiment, Dr. He announced that he plans to advance his gene-editing research on human embryos to create babies born with superpowers.
He said that he wants to create babies with enhanced abilities such as increased intelligence, athleticism, and memory. He’s also admitted that the authorities might not be happy about his plans, but he’s willing to take the risk.
Concerns Raised by Dr. He’s Plans
Dr. He’s recent plans have raised concerns that editing human embryos without adequate clinical research and oversights may lead to severe consequences.
Creating the so-called “Designer Babies” with enhanced intelligence and athletic abilities raise significant ethical, moral, and social considerations. The concept of promoting one’s abilities over the other and providing unequal treatment raises concern on social justice and discrimination.
The Future of Gene Editing
The advancement of genetic science has opened doors to many new possibilities in the field of medicine. It has allowed scientists to discover new methods and treatments for different genetic conditions.
This also poses new ethical challenges that require extensive research and consideration. Science has gotten to the stage where it can manipulate genes to suit our desires. However, it is essential to remember that we have not yet gotten to a stage where we understand all the consequences of gene editing in embryos.
Thus, governments around the world need to establish global guidelines and laws that will regulate gene-editing for ethical and moral reasons.
