One of the most recent ethical issues has been on the genome editing done by CRISPR and whether editing the genes will lead to a terrifying sci-fi moment. The panic being that one day parents will be allowed to edit their future child’s genome so that they may have the “perfect child”. Recognizing the fears of the people, we have to be aware that there will always be the fear of something going wrong or that the new technology will be abused. It is a common fear that we have with many of the new upcoming technological advances. Yet more recently there has been an advance in the genome editing technology, now known as REPAIR. REPAIR is the newest version of CRISPR, it targets the RNA instead of the DNA so that it does not edit the entirety of the human genome (Mumal). The question now is; is this cause for alarm?
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After the researchers cut the mutation from the male genes, it copied the infinitely healthier version from the female gene to replace the spot cut out. Having inserted a DNA template into the embryo, the researchers were expecting it to copy that sequence, which is what occurs with other body cells during gene editing, but were surprised to find that it did not. About 10,000 medical conditions are linked to specific mutations, and if we were to potentially be able to remove these mutations from someone's genes the children they would have from that point forward would not be born with the mutations that would cause some of the genetic medical conditions. Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, stated that, “Allowing any form of human germline modification leaves the way open for all kinds — especially when fertility clinics start offering ‘genetic upgrades’ to those able to afford them,”
After the researchers cut the mutation from the male genes, it copied the infinitely healthier version from the female gene to replace the spot cut out. Having inserted a DNA template into the embryo, the researchers were expecting it to copy that sequence, which is what occurs with other body cells during gene editing, but were surprised to find that it did not. About 10,000 medical conditions are linked to specific mutations, and if we were to potentially be able to remove these mutations from someone's genes the children they would have from that point forward would not be born with the mutations that would cause some of the genetic medical conditions. Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, stated that, “Allowing any form of human germline modification leaves the way open for all kinds — especially when fertility clinics start offering ‘genetic upgrades’ to those able to afford them,”