Controversy about technology to create perfect babies

Scientists call for a ban on the use of genetic modification technology on human embryos to create children who carry good genes at the request of their parents

Controversy over the use of genetic modification technology on human embryos

Achievements in the field of gene research, particularly the development of a genetic modification technique called Crispr / Cas9 , may allow scientists to alter the DNA of in vitro fertilized human embryos (IVF). ) before the safety of this technology is authenticated.

Crispr / Cas9 helps scientists customize the DNA genetic code correctly by cutting a piece of DNA from human cells and replacing it with another piece of genetic code.

Crispr / Cas9 technique allows changing the DNA of a fertilized human embryo in vitro.(Photo: SLR).

The Independent reported, a group of scientists at the Francis Crick Institute, London, England, applied for permission to use Crispr / Cas9 technology on IVF embryos . Their goal was to study the initial problems affecting women who had multiple miscarriages.

The maximum time for embryos to develop does not exceed 14 days. They will be destroyed after the study and not allowed to be implanted in the uterus to avoid violating the UK Fertilization and Embryo Act of 2008.

However, according to Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, senior scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, while some countries such as Germany have a stricter ban on such studies, many countries have not enacted laws to stop them. Scientists use Crispr / Cas 9 technique on IVF embryos to check for safety.

"The real problem concerns us is that, like the field of stem cells, clinics can advertise the services of providing perfect children who don't get sick or carry good genes. We want to have management mechanisms to prevent it from happening globally , " Professor Lovell-Badge said.

In April of this year, Nature published a group of Chinese scientists using the CRISPR / Cas9 technique for the first time to alter the genome of a human embryo. The study was led by Junjiu Huang, a genetic function scientist at Sun Yat-sen National University in Guangzhou, focusing on genetic modification causing hereditary anemia β-thalassemia. The team used embryos that were unable to survive, but still caused much controversy in the scientific and political circles.

In vitro fertilization clinics can take advantage of genetic modification techniques to create perfect babies.(Photo: The Independent).

After the study was published, the US National Institutes of Health quickly confirmed the ban on fund-raising for human genetic research, applied to embryos that are unable to survive.

On September 2, five UK research organizations issued a statement encouraging the continued use of CRISPR / Cas9 in studies, including human embryos, if the purpose of the application did not violate laws and rules. morality.

Hinxton Group, an international coalition of scientists, philosophers and ethics, warns in vitro fertilization clinics to use illegal genetic engineering achievements, Similar to providing stem cell treatment for patients in some countries.

"There is a great concern that genetic modification technology can be applied to reproductive activities before we have enough data to support that practice and before the international community has the opportunity to consider the benefits. of the method " , Hinxton Group's statement after the September meeting in Manchester, England, said.

According to the Hinxton Group, pressure also arises from individuals who want to use genetically modified technology for treatment, reproduction and other needs.