Skip to content
646 269 0773|alita@globalbioethics.org
facebooktwitterlinkedin
Global Bioethics Initiative (GBI) Logo Global Bioethics Initiative (GBI) Logo Global Bioethics Initiative (GBI) Logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Staff
    • Founders
    • Board of Directors
    • Advisory Board
    • Visiting Scholars
    • Student Interns
    • Volunteers
  • Events
  • Resources
    • COVID-19
  • Internships
  • Contact
  • Donate
Previous Next
  • View Larger Image chile house

UNESCO Calls for Moratorium on Edits to the Human Genome That Could Be Transferred Through the Germline

By Kaitlyn Schaeffer

Independent experts of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee released a report calling for a temporary moratorium on edits to the human genome that could be inherited by future generations.

A new genome editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9 has made it possible for scientists to manipulate DNA easily and efficiently. While these manipulations can treat and cure certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and some types of cancer, they can also be used toward more ethically murky ends, such as selecting certain traits for unborn children – a purpose that smacks of eugenics.

The report was issued after UNESCO met in Paris to discuss genetic modification. Rapid advances in these types of therapies bring with them a host of consequences. Many argue that “gene therapy could be a watershed in the history of medicine and genome editing is unquestionably one of the most promising undertakings of science for the sake of all humankind.” Yet, at the same time, the power to manipulate genes that could be passed on through the germline raises particular concerns about human dignity.

Until the people have engaged in a fuller public debate over the various concerns these issues raise, the IBC believes that such research should temporarily be halted.

Read the full article here.

By Admin@gbi|2016-06-14T16:15:57+00:00October 10th, 2015|News-Articles|0 Comments

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

facebooktwitterlinkedinreddittumblrpinterestvkEmail

About the Author: Admin@gbi

Avatar

Related Posts

  • Prof Cheah Phaik Yeong
    Prof Cheah Phaik Yeong
    Gallery

    Prof Cheah Phaik Yeong

  • 2022 “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Testimonials
    2022 “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Testimonials
    Gallery

    2022 “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Testimonials

  • Bioethics in the Second Cold War by Jonathan D Moreno PhD
    Bioethics in the Second Cold War by Jonathan D Moreno PhD
    Gallery

    Bioethics in the Second Cold War by Jonathan D Moreno PhD

  • Call for Applications: “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Summer School Online (July 18 – 23) 2022
    Call for Applications: “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Summer School Online (July 18 – 23) 2022
    Gallery

    Call for Applications: “Bioethics, Wars and Pandemics” Summer School Online (July 18 – 23) 2022

  • Mariupol Maternity Hospital Third To Be Destroyed In Ukraine: UN
    Mariupol Maternity Hospital Third To Be Destroyed In Ukraine: UN
    Gallery

    Mariupol Maternity Hospital Third To Be Destroyed In Ukraine: UN

Copyright 2012 - 2020 Global Bioethics | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Global Innovation Consortium
facebooktwitterlinkedin
Toggle Sliding Bar Area