Human Germline Genome Editing And Bioethical Issues

The world of genetic engineering is becoming more abundant as technological advancements are made. Genetic engineering is the process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism by modifying segments of its DNA. Many of the foods we consume on a daily basis are genetically modified in order to protect crops from disease and increase harvest yields. Bacteria and animals are also a source of genetic modification. With genetic modification comes many ethical issues, and the most common question that arises is whether humans should be subject to genetic engineering. In this essay, I will discuss the issue of human germline genome editing and the bioethical issues it encompasses. Human germline genome editing is the genetic modification of a human embryo or reproductive cells to alter the entire genome of an unborn individual. Specifically, germline editing occurs

After implantation and the pregnancy process, the individual is born with an edited genome. The alterations made to the DNA are passed from the edited individual to their offspring and to future generations. Germline editing is different from somatic cell editing because changes made to the somatic cells of an individual are not transferred to future generations. Because changes made to germline cells can persist throughout generations, the decision to begin this process in humans is a topic of great discussion. Germline genome editing could be used to treat and prevent heritable diseases before birth. Two parents that contain a mutant gene for a disease are likely to pass the disease to their offspring. By treating, editing, or removing the disease causing gene in