Abstract
Genome editing has the potential to prevent serious genetic disorders. It is inherently more attractive than current pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) technology. Although not risk-free, genome editing technology is now at a stage where it could be used with sufficient safety to produce children free from specific monogenic genetic disorders. Misuse of the technology cannot be ruled out, however fears of eugenic dystopias appear overstated, and are of little relevance to today’s reproductive medicine. Once genome editing commences, the technology is likely to evolve to become able to prevent a wide range of genetic disorders in future generations. Utilisation of genome editing technology to prevent life-threatening genetic diseases ought to proceed without undue delay.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 50 big debates in reproductive medicine |
| Editors | Roy Homburg, Adam H. Balen, Robert F. Casper |
| Place of Publication | Cambridge |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Chapter | 38A |
| Pages | 194-196 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781108986373, 9781108983952 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781108986601 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Dec 2021 |