CRISPR is the most persuasive gene-editing technique and the most controversial at the same time. The alteration of the genomes of human embryos with the aim of eliminating disease-causing genes is currently not allowed. Should we leave the situation as it is or should we allow it?
John Harris is for the idea that research on gene editing in embryos should continue. Theoretically, CRISPR is a great tool for modifying the disease-causing genes found in embryos and removing the genetic code so that the future descendants are also free from that disease. This editing, therefore, has the potential to decrease, or even eradicate the many serious genetic diseases that cause suffering in the human population. Harris is against the opponents’ view that this action is unnatural. He argues that being natural does not necessarily mean that something is good, and this is the reason why we use antibiotics to kill bacteria (which is natural). He goes further to say that it is our responsibility to think and act in accordance with what is best for our future generations, and gene editing is one way to do so. Finally, John states that the risks of gene editing are not enough compared to the suffering that it could potentially alleviate (Harris & Darnovsky, 2018) .
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On the other hand, Marcy Darnovsky is completely opposed to the idea of gene editing in embryos. This operation brings forth the concept of designer babies, where everyone will go for organic enhancement, even people who do not have any fertility problems. While Marcy is for gene therapies, he is completely opposed against the idea of completely altering the human germline. The irreversible changes made to every cell of the human body and the future generations is a very risky human experimentation. There is still a lot that is unknown about the persistent editing effects, off-target mutations, long-term health and safety concerns, and the genetic mechanisms involved in fetal and embryonic development. For this reason, completely altering the human genome is a risk that we should not take (Harris & Darnovsky, 2018) .
Reference
Harris, J., & Darnovsky, M. (2018). Pro and Con: Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos?. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/08/human-gene-editing-pro-con-opinions/
