Human Heritable Genome Editing

Name: Inclusive Deliberation
Address: CH

You also can view the videos of the 5 Experts about it (click below)

What is it about?

Heritable Human Genome Editing (HHGE), also called Human Germline Gene Editing, refers to molecular techniques which are used to alter DNA sequences in early-stage embryos or germ cells (sperm and egg cells). These modifications generated by this technique will affect all cells of the potential future child and also be passed on to future generations. The main argument in support of this technology is that it would be used to prevent the transmission of diseases from one generation to the other.

Heritable Human Genome Editing (HHGE), does not treat, cure, or prevent disease in any living individual, though its intended use is the creation of embryos with altered genomes, which would also pass on their altered genes to future generations. The key question is therefore is it ethically acceptable to use this technology in order to "design" future babies?

In contrast Somatic Cell Genome Editing is performed in the non-reproductive of the and may contribute treat diseases in existing individuals. Changes made by somatic genome therapy are not be passed down to future generations. Somatic Cell Genome Editing will not be discussed in this Website.

Do we have the right to design babies?

The Child Right International Network (CRIN) states:

"everyone, including children, has the right to autonomy and self-determination over their own body, and the only person with the right to make a decision about one’s body is oneself”