The U.S. scientific panel has approved the DNA editing of human embryos. Gene-editing will likely start to happen in the near future to remove genetic diseases.
Reuters has reported that gene editing will happen in the near future as U.S. scientists and ethicists have approved of them. Gene editing tools will be used on human embryos, eggs and sperm to get rid of genes that causes inherited diseases. DNA editing is "a realistic possibility that deserves serious consideration", reports National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Medicine.
Scientific advances make genetic engineering in human reproductive cells a possibility. However, doctors and scientist should track the changes that happened to the baby it was done. According to The Verge, the 21-member committee from NAS and NAM explained that gene editing should be the last solution to a case. There will be long-term changes that will be passed on to the descendants of the baby performed on.
It is not ready as of today but it will be ready to use in the near future. However, many doctors and scientists are worried. They say that there will be many societal implications this gene editing will make. This approval of DNA-editing for disability will generate a slippery slope leading to "designer babies" and eugenics programs. There will be doctors and families who will take advantage of this procedure.
DNA editing might "Opens the door to advertisements from fertility clinics of giving your child the best start in life with a gene-editing packet" explained Marcy Darnovsky, executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society, a public interest group based in Berkeley, California. This decision will definitely affect people in a negative way especially those who are already at disadvantage.
There are still no final say about this sensitive issue. There are still many scientists and doctors who disapprove it saying it is unethical. They also think the risk is too high to try.
