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In the past few weeks media outlets have been reporting on the release of Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The report concluded that following more research, it would be ethical to initiate clinical trials using heritable, germline genome editing for therapeutic purposes subject to a set of conditions. Described by some as a “fantastic development,” this declaration effectively lifted the nonbinding temporary moratorium from the International Summit on Human Gene Editing in 2015.
Although the lengthy report suggests extensive deliberation, it glosses over troubling scientific evidence pertaining to risks of gene editing and stands in stark contrast to the current widely held view in many countries against human germline modifications.
Scientists have referred to potential human germline modifications using gene editing tools as elegant, accurate, and precise, which connotes an exact application to correct a deficiency. This focus marginalizes the complexity of intervening environmental and other epigenetic factors, and presumes that editing technology constitutes the rational, and only, solution toward progress.
After all, who would want...