Scientists seek ban on editing human-embryo DNA

[bananas]

Source: Reuters

A group of U.S. scientists and activists on Monday called for a global ban on the use of new tools to edit the genes of human embryos, in a report issued a day before a major international meeting in Washington to discuss the ethical and policy issues surrounding the technology.

A technological innovation that can edit out specific stretches of DNA could lead to the genetic modification of children, and should be halted before it starts being used, scientists at the Center for Genetics and Society and the activist group Friends of the Earth argued.

<snip>

The report was released on the eve of a summit convened by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and its counterparts from China and the United Kingdom.

In March, a group of scientists led by one key developer of the CRISPR technique called for a voluntary research ban on the use of the technology for germline editing. Shortly after that, Chinese scientists reported carrying out the first experiment to alter the DNA of human embryos.

Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2015/11/30/ban-sought-on-editing-human-embryo-dna.html

[bananas]

1. The White House endorsed a ban on germline editing pending further study of the ethical issues.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/12/01/us-usa-gene-editing-idUSKBN0TK33F20151201

Mon Nov 30, 2015 8:23pm EST
Opposition mounts to genetic modification of human embryos
CHICAGO | By Julie Steenhuysen

<snip>

The objections come to so-called "germline editing" in which reproductive cells are modified.

In May, the White House endorsed a ban on germline editing pending further study of the ethical issues.

<snip>

[bananas]

2. Here is the open letter and initiating signatures

http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=8999

Open Letter Calls for Prohibition on Reproductive Human Germline Modification
by Center for Genetics and Society

In November 2015, amid building controversy over proposals for "editing" the human germline, the Center for Genetics and Society organized this sign-on letter calling for strengthened prohibitions against using genetically engineered human embryos or gametes for reproduction.

Initiating signatories were invited via email. The letter will remain open to additional sign-ons until December 31, 2015. To add your name, or to comment, please email [email protected].

All organizational affiliations are shown for identification purposes only.

<snip>

For these reasons, several dozen countries, including most of those with highly developed biotechnology sectors, have explicitly banned human germline modification. The Council of Europe’s binding 1997 Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine also prohibits it. Numerous opinion surveys show that the great majority of Americans and others worldwide believe that heritable genetic modification should be prohibited.

While we are encouraged by efforts on the part of scientific bodies to move the process of deliberation about acceptable uses of gene editing forward, we are concerned that much of the focus has been on technical issues of safety (implying that if it were safe it would be acceptable), rather than on broader ethical and social implications. We strongly believe that the National Academies’ initiative and international meeting should be considered a very early step of a broadly inclusive program of public discussion. Any recommendations emerging from the meeting or the initiative should make this clear.

<snip>

[darkangel218]

3. "Genetic modification of children"

Or perhaps curing diseases?

Glad to know that they oppose research

It was expected , tbh.

[Android3.14]

4. Regulation? Yes. Ban? No.

[Kelvin Mace]

5. Genie, lamp

barn door, horse, ships over the horizon.

Outlaw it and only the rich (and governments) will have it.

[Xithras]

6. Baby. Bathwater. Enjoy the trip.

This technique has the potential to wipe out all sorts of hereditary genetic diseases, or to eliminate common genetic problems. Sickle cell anemia is common in populations with ancestors from Sub Saharan Africa. Germline editing could wipe it out forever. Are your ancestors from northern Europe? Your descendants are at a much higher risk of cystic fibrosis. Germline editing can wipe that out too. Jewish? How about wiping out Tay-Sachs?

But we won't. Why? Because ignorant idiots are afraid that someone will use the technology to change their kids eye color, or raise their IQ a couple of points, or make them an inch or two taller. Because that would apparently be the end of the damned world or something.