Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Book
Description
Since the early 2000s, scientists have been modifying DNA using CRISPR. Through research into CRISPR, human genomes can also be edited, which allows for scientists to create so-called "designer babies". Engineering a human embryo and genome cells, or reproductive cells, is illegal worldwide, but research can be done through engineering of somatic cells, cells that are not reproductive. This conversation about designing a human engages ethical debates and arguments that it is a human rights violation. These arguments and ethical debates revolve around the safety concerns around CRISPR, due to possible adverse effects, concerns about obtaining consent, and discussions about CRISPR being accessible to the wealthy only. There are not only negative things to say about CRISPR. The technology has the ability to completely eradicate many diseases and there are currently many clinical trials researching this. By relating these companies that run clinical trials to laws and regulations, the companies are going to be evaluated by their ethics and exploration into the implications the companies have on human rights will be done. Through further research into CRISPR and how it is used, I will be answering the questions of if genome editing is ethical and violates human rights.
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Recommended Citation
Mowery, Ethan, "Ethics of CRISPR" (2020). Research Days Posters 2020. 57.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/57