In respect to mankind and medicine, genetic engineering is rapidly approaching the ability to modify humans. Most recent developments are related to a gene editing tool called CRISPR. As explained in the article “Engineering the Perfect Baby” in The MIT Technology Review, CRISPR allows scientists to pinpoint specific genes and modify them to eliminate diseases and produce desired traits (Regalado). For more information on CRISPR, visit the MIT Technology Review: Click here.
This process could be used in people with faulty gene illnesses, such as sickle-cell anemia. CRISPR is able to locate the faulty genes and then edit it to correct the non functioning gene. This person, however, would still have the potential to pass on that trait into their offspring since this wouldn’t affect the germ cells of the patient.
CRISPR could also be used to prevent inherited diseases such as ovarian cancer in women. This could be done by CRISPR removing the cancerous gene, and then using the newly refined DNA in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic to create a new embryo without that undesired gene. (IVF) is the process of fertilizing an egg outside of the body (Regaldo).
Gene editing in humans is generally received positively, but raises many ethical issues pertaining to embryos and modifying children before they are born. When used to prevent disease and improve health in adults, it is similar to a vaccination. However, when CRISPR is used to select genes in children before they are born, there are many blurred lines. This is due to the fact that the child cannot consent to the operation, yet their life will be affected, and that gene editing introduces the possibility to “engineer the perfect baby.”
A perfect baby could entice a “god” complex in its creator as that scientist would feel they are able to do create a baby in the form that they desire, much like a god. Similarly, a perfect baby would have the potential of being a superhuman as they can be genetically altered to be stronger, smarter, and more resistant to diseases than the common baby. These “superhumans” could be used as soldiers for countries in their armies. This obviously raises concerns for the safety of other countries and for the human race as a whole. These babies would then create an eco-social split within their region because genetic engineering is a costly procedure. Thus, giving the rich the ability to become genetically superior to their poorer counterparts; which could create an even larger split.
This process could be used in people with faulty gene illnesses, such as sickle-cell anemia. CRISPR is able to locate the faulty genes and then edit it to correct the non functioning gene. This person, however, would still have the potential to pass on that trait into their offspring since this wouldn’t affect the germ cells of the patient.
CRISPR could also be used to prevent inherited diseases such as ovarian cancer in women. This could be done by CRISPR removing the cancerous gene, and then using the newly refined DNA in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic to create a new embryo without that undesired gene. (IVF) is the process of fertilizing an egg outside of the body (Regaldo).
Gene editing in humans is generally received positively, but raises many ethical issues pertaining to embryos and modifying children before they are born. When used to prevent disease and improve health in adults, it is similar to a vaccination. However, when CRISPR is used to select genes in children before they are born, there are many blurred lines. This is due to the fact that the child cannot consent to the operation, yet their life will be affected, and that gene editing introduces the possibility to “engineer the perfect baby.”
A perfect baby could entice a “god” complex in its creator as that scientist would feel they are able to do create a baby in the form that they desire, much like a god. Similarly, a perfect baby would have the potential of being a superhuman as they can be genetically altered to be stronger, smarter, and more resistant to diseases than the common baby. These “superhumans” could be used as soldiers for countries in their armies. This obviously raises concerns for the safety of other countries and for the human race as a whole. These babies would then create an eco-social split within their region because genetic engineering is a costly procedure. Thus, giving the rich the ability to become genetically superior to their poorer counterparts; which could create an even larger split.