The Project Syndicate opinion piece on gene editing and ethics entitled Gene Editing is Powerful Tool for Good but Only If Used Wisely outlines in brief the major points relevant to the debate on medical technology. One of the most promising areas of new research in science and medicine, gene editing is already allowing for major and minor modifications to the genetic material in plants and animals, and to a lesser degree for human beings. As the Project Syndicate authors point out in the article, the CRISPR project signals one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in genetic science: the ability to edit the genome of an organism. Now that the human genome has been credibly and functionally mapped, it will soon be possible for scientists to also edit the human genome with the goal of eliminating disease and enhancing human well-being. Therefore, I am fully in favor of gene editing and agree that it should be embraced and promoted with the utmost care and ethics.
The main reason to support gene editing in general is of course, its potential to eradicate some types of disease, while also offering the potential to strengthen the human body, build resilience, and generally improve both mind and body exponentially. There are a number...
Gene editing has the potential to reduce suffering among the general population; it would seem a greater crime to suppress the technology than it would to promote further innovation, research, and development. With the promise of eliminating certain diseases and promoting greater overall human health, it seems improbable that anyone would not support this wondrous new technology.
Gene editing is also an inevitability, like it or not, now that CRISPR and the human genome project have evolved to the point where they can be applied directly to the real world (Project Syndicate 2). Consumer demand, curiosity, and the desire to apply the technology to promote health and well being will only push for more innovation in the area of gene editing. Because it has become an unavoidable reality, gene editing needs to be discussed openly in the scientific community, by policymakers, and by other major stakeholders. Only through open dialogue will it be possible to develop the right kinds of safeguards that will prevent unethical…
