Pros And Cons Of Genetic Editing

Arguments in Favor There are a number of arguments that have been proposed in favor of allowing genomic editing via CRISPR/Cas9. This technology offers couples who either face infertility or who themselves suffer from a heritable disease, or are a carrier, the choice to genetically engineer their children so that they are at minimal risk for disease. Using the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) screening, discussed previously, doctors are able to share information with prospective parents, and help them to make informed decisions in regards to selecting which embryo will have the greatest chance of survival and living a healthy life [2]. For couples who themselves suffer from a genetic condition, and use PGD as a means to have a child

It is argued that all parents, regardless of whether their child’s genes were edited or not, highly influence the lives in which their children live through the environment in which they are raised [2]. A child who grew up living in Bronx, New York, for example, would develop a different personality and morals than a child raised in rural Michigan, even if they were identical twins, simply as a result of their environment [7]. So, the argument is that parents who would choose to genetically modify their children’s DNA, would not be altering the child’s future any more than they would be in choosing the type of environment in which their child is raised

It was only in 2003 that the Human Genome project was completed, and the entirety of our genes were mapped out by highly advanced technology [3]. It was only then that it became possible for this technology to even work. Because CRISPR/Cas9 is such a new technology, the potential side effects of editing even just one gene are unknown. It is more than likely that unwanted mutations in other genes could be caused by the use of this system; mutations that could cause infertility, trigger undesirable hormone production, or even cause cancer [2]. More significantly, there are many uncertainties in how genome editing will effect future generations. Human genetic modification has the potential to change mankind forever, and there is no way of knowing whether this change would be for better or for worse [3]. In a parent’s decision to genetically modify their own child, they are making the decision for their children’s children to be genetically modified as well [3]. And, once an individual’s genes are altered, there is no going back in time, and these genetic changes will be passed on from one generation to the next [3]. This also raises concerns regarding consent. For this technology, the mother and father of the child must give consent on behalf of their unborn child, since it is impossible for an embryo to grant or deny consent