UK ethics council decides altering human embryos is “morally permissible”

An ethics council in the United Kingdom has concluded that changing the DNA of a human embryo could be “morally permissible” if such changes are in the child’s best interests and do not create further inequalities in society.

This is a monumental and troubling announcement.

Embryonic genetic editing: the positives

Let’s begin with some background. In addition to my work at Denison Forum, I serve as the resident scholar for ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health. In this capacity, I am especially interested in the ethics of genetic medicine.

I have been following advances in genome-editing techniques that have made it possible to correct genetic defects in human embryos. Since inherited disorders affect millions of people around the world, such advances offer great potential.

According to the New York Times, one recently developed technique could conceivably apply to more than ten thousand conditions caused by specific inherited genetic mutations. This technique is relevant to certain breast and ovarian cancers and to diseases such as Huntington’s, Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and some cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Genetic editing could also produce more viable embryos for in vitro fertilization. This procedure involves the creation of embryos in the laboratory which are tested for viability before being implanted in the mother’s womb. Repairing defective embryos could lead to fewer discarded or frozen embryos. If you believe life begins at conception, as I do, this is an important factor.

Embryonic genetic editing: the negatives

However, the negative possibilities of embryonic gene editing are frightening.

If an embryo can be edited genetically to prevent disease, could it also be altered to enhance capacities? For instance, one genetic hormone (known as EPO) is linked to muscle activity; could an embryo be engineered to produce more EPO and thus enhance muscle strength?

Genetic mutations can also produce…