Gene Editing: ‘We Can’t Know the Effects’

by Jael SC · August 8, 2017

Ethical questions surface as scientists work on gene editing to correct genetic defects which cause conditions such as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, certain heart conditions and certain types of cancer.

Catholic observers and others are raising ethical questions about the work of an international team of scientists who report that they were able to edit the DNA in human embryos to correct a health disorder.

The questions focus on two concerns: the creation of human embryos for scientific experimentation and then destruction. Secondly: the still-unknown effect that changing DNA will have on future generations because the changes could become a permanent part of a family’s genetic line.

Designer Babies

The success reported by the scientists in work funded by the Oregon Health and Science University worries observers, who said that it could lead to the development of “designer babies” with traits that make them seem superior.

“Now we’re specifically manufacturing human embryos solely for the purpose of doing lethal experiments on them. I think the public needs to be well aware of that and hopefully horrified by that reality,” said Gregory Schleppenbach, associate director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Certainly there should be concerns about genetically modifying human beings in a way that we don’t really know what effect that will have to subsequent generations,” he told Catholic News Service.

Effects on Generations Unsure

Schleppenbach said he was concerned by the “calloused dismissive language” of the scientific team and some ethicists who have justified the work because it could benefit future generations. He said great uncertainty exists on the effects of such editing on future generations.

“We can’t know,” he said.

Only if gene editing were carried out to reduce the likelihood of a specific disease in a specific individual, whether in the womb, after birth or as an adolescent or adult, the practice could become acceptable, Schleppenbach told CNS.

“You’re only changing that particular individual. You’re not transferring this on to future generations,” he said.

Can’t Be Left to A few Scientists

Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Centre for Genetics and Society in Berkeley, California, described the procedure outlined in the report as “extremely disturbing.”

She called for a broad discussion of the implications of the work, rather than letting the decision on how far such research can advance be left to a few scientists.

The centre is uneasy with DNA changes that can be passed on to future generations as well as the possibility that gene editing can open the door to genetic enhancement of human beings.