Ethics guidelines and gene editing technology: the challenges of enforceability and legitimacy

Abstract

Ethics guidelines and gene editing technology: the challenges of enforceability and legitimacy Ethics advisors, Centre for Applied Ethics, McGill University Health Centre "Our intelligence creates problems that our intelligence cannot handle. Come back Socrates, we're sorry about the hemlock." Richard Gordon, 1993 Recent advances in genetic technology have given rise to considerable excitement and debate. Genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 have made modifying the human genome more efficient, accurate, and less expensive. Gene editing presents promise for advancements in human health while simultaneously raising significant ethical concerns about its proper use and potential for misuse (1). For instance, should a line be drawn between genetic therapy and genetic enhancement? If so, where should the line be drawn-and who gets to decide?