Human Genetic Modification

Human genetic modification (or “gene editing”) can be used in two very different ways. Somatic genome editing changes the genes in a patient’s cells to treat a medical condition. A few gene therapies are approaching clinical use but remain extraordinarily expensive.

By contrast, heritable genome editing would change genes in eggs, sperm, or early embryos to try to control the traits of a future child. Such alterations would affect every cell of the resulting person and all subsequent generations.

For safety, ethical, and social reasons, heritable genome editing is widely considered unacceptable. It is prohibited in 70 countries and by a binding international treaty. Nevertheless, in 2018 one scientist announced the birth of twins whose embryos he had edited. This reckless experiment intensified debate between advocates of heritable genome editing and those concerned it could exacerbate inequality and lead to a new, market-based eugenics.

CRISPR: What is the future of gene editing? | Start Here

This episode of the Al Jazeera video series Start Here features an interview with CGS Program Director on Genetic Justice, Katie Hasson.

Technologies

Human Genetic Modification

Global Governance

Bioethics

Biopolitics

Genetically Modified Humans? Seven Reasons to Say “No”

By Center for Genetics and Society, Biopolitical Times | 05.07.2015

Biopolitical Times

Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China published a paper on April 18, 2015, detailing the first use of the “gene editing” technology CRISPR in human embryos. The news initiated a global media firestorm

Synthetic Biology

What is Human Gene Editing?

Internal Content

Genome editing is a way of making changes to specific parts of a genome. Scientists have been able to alter DNA...

Assessing the Global Policy Landscape for Human Germline and Heritable Genome Editing

By Katie Hasson | 11.02.2020

Biopolitical Times

Public and policy conversations about heritable human genome editing often leave the impression that rules governing it are few and...

Policies

Germline Warfare

By Ralph Brave, The Nation | 04.07.2003

CGS-authored

Human Cloning

Human Biotechnology: Responding to Emerging Dangerous New Human Genetics

By Jesse Reynolds, Z Magazine | 03.31.2003

CGS-authored

Human Cloning

“Do We Want Science to Reinvent Human Aging?”

By Bill McKibben and Gregory Stock, Transcript of live debate | 03.27.2003

Aggregated News

Human Cloning

The Threshold Challenge of the New Human Genetic Technologies

By admin | 03.01.2003

Aggregated News

A "Post-Human" Future?

Human Cloning and Genetic Technology

admin

Submitted by admin on Thu, 03/29/2007 - 00:00

The Heinrich Böll Foundation, the Center for Genetics and Society, and the Worldwatch Institute cordially invite you to a briefing and discussion on

Human Cloning and Genetic Technology: The Global Challenge to Social Justice, Human Rights and the Environment

Date:	Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Time:	4:00pm - 5:30pm (light refreshments afterward!)
Location:	Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Root Room (Second Floor) 1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Metro:	Dupont Circle (Red Line)

Speakers:

Richard Hayes, Executive Director, Center for Genetics and Society
Jurema Werneck, Executive Director, CRIOLA - Afro-Brazilian Women's Movement
John Passacantando, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
Gina Maranto, University of Miami, Author of The Quest for Perfection
Brian Halweil, Senior Researcher, Worldwatch Institute

Moderator: Marc Berthold, Program Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation

The new human genetic technologies hold both great promise and great peril. Come hear why liberals, progressives, environmentalists, feminists, human rights advocates, disability rights leaders and others are concerned, and what they believe is the responsible course of action now.

RSVP with name, title, organization, department, phone, fax, and email to Ronny Kittler, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Phone: (202) 462-7512, Fax (202) 462-5230, Email: ronny@boell.org.

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Topic

Human Genetic Modification

Human Cloning

Environmentalism

Human Rights