Scientists Dare To Ask If Gene Editing Is A Human Right

For the longest time, humans have had to accept that they had limitations due to their genetics. With the advent of powerful gene-editing tools like CRISPR, however, this is no longer the case. Now, humans can potentially change their appearance, their physical capabilities, and even their overall health with a simple injection. Still, there’s the question of whether or not people should even be allowed to do this, and a group of scientists believes that maybe they should.

As Futurism points out, gene-editing has mostly been contained to non-reproductive gene tampering using CRISPR, so far. Basically, those whose genes have been changed for one reason or another wouldn’t pass on that trait to their offspring. Naturally, as the science becomes more refined and more popular, it’s not going to stay that way.

Arguments with regards to so-called “designer babies” have been simmering for years and the advent of the new tool just made the debates more heated. In order to lay the matter to rest, a panel composed of scientists got together to outline a set of rules that they are proposing geneticists follow in order to make gene-editing more streamlined.

The panel was made up of health and genetics professionals chosen by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine. Together, they came up with a standard that might work for the various parties who are concerned with the practice of genetic manipulation. For now, however, the panel agreed that genetic enhancements (i.e. increased strength or intelligence) should be put on hold.

As expected, this discussion also ignited the debate on whether or not people should be allowed to manipulate their DNA as a human right, much like how plastic surgery is currently classified. There are numerous angles to consider before this even comes to fruition, but it’s undeniable that the prospect has the potential to ignite a clash of ideals.