Human germline modification sorely in need of ethical discourse

An Institute of Medicine committee is in the midst of a 19-month study, undertaken at the FDA’s request, of the “ethical and social policy considerations” of germline-modifying techniques that cobble together gametes or embryos produced with eggs from two women. The committee held its first public meeting on March 31 and April 1, in the wake of statements of concern about human germline gene editing by several groups of prominent scientists.

One question that was brought up at the meeting was whether it would be “advisable” to draw policy lines between therapeutic and enhancement applications of genetic modification techniques, the implication being that this might be preferable to the current widespread agreement  that encourages gene transfer to treat sick people, but puts off limits changes that would be passed on to children and subsequent generations. Several invited speakers addressed these questions from a cautionary perspective; see, for examples, here and here.

Unfortunately, most of the IOM committee members seemed remarkably incurious about these points. Few follow-up questions were asked about the societal implications of human germline modification, or about the social values and concerns that have prompted more than 40 countries to adopt laws against it. Committee members didn’t inquire, let alone probe, about the effects of violating this prevailing policy agreement, or about the commercial and social dynamics that might come into play if human germline modification were to be introduced into fertility clinics.

Read full, original article: Incurious about Ethics?

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.