Should genetically modified human embryos be allowed?

Are genetically modified embryos “essential” for science?

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It is “essential” that the genetic modification of human embryos is allowed, says a group of scientists, ethicists and policy experts. But critics say once the technology is allowed for research purposes, it is inevitable it will end up creating a market for enhanced, genetically modified babies.

Research involving genetic modification of human embryos, though controversial, is essential to gain basic understanding of the biology of early embryos and should be permitted, an international group of experts said.

The statement was issued by members of the so-called Hinxton Group, a global network of stem cell researchers, bioethicists and policy experts who met in the UK last week.

But critics say once the technology is allowed for research purposes, it is inevitable it will end up creating a market for enhanced, genetically modified babies.

Sources and more information
  • Statement on Genome Editing Technologies and Human Germline Genetic Modification, hinxtongroup, September 3-4, 2015.
  • Genetically modified human embryos should be allowed, expert group says, theguardian, 10 September 2015.
  • Genetically modified embryos “essential” for science, in-cyprus, 10/09/2015.
  • ‘Genetic modification of embryos is essential’: Report claims editing genomes holds huge potential and shouldn’t be feared, DailyMail, 10 September 2015.

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