Beyond the Science: Where Are the Safeguards in Gene Editing?
Every country, every person on the earth has a stake in what happens in this realm of science.
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No argument against genomic editing is going to halt that advancing science, given the remarkable potential of CRISPR and other disruptive technologies to treat or cure disease. But the pace of knowledge has come at breakneck speed, outpacing dialogue about the ethics and safety of altering human DNA. The announcement last November that a Chinese researcher had created the first genetically edited babies sent shivers through the research community. Recognizing the need to develop international guidelines, scientific leaders have come together to consider the societal, legal, and ethical implications of gene editing. An international commission with representatives from scientific academies around the world and a World Health Organization expert advisory committee are both studying the issue. What’s the wisest approach?
- 2019 Health
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