Abstract
BackgroundRecent scientific advances in the field of gene editing have led to a renewed discussion on the moral acceptability of human germline modifications. Gene editing methods can be used on human embryos and gametes in order to change DNA sequences that are associated with diseases. Modifying the human germline, however, is currently illegal in many countries but has been suggested as a ‘last resort’ option in some reports. In contrast, preimplantation genetic (PGD) diagnosis is now a well-established practice within reproductive medicine. Both methods can be used to prevent children from being born with severe genetic diseases.Main textThis paper focuses on four moral concerns raised in the debate about germline gene editing (GGE) and applies them to the practice of PGD for comparison: Violation of human dignity, disrespect of the autonomy and the physical integrity of the future child, discrimination of people living with a disability and the fear of slippery slope towards immoral usage of the technology, e.g. designing children for specific third party interests. Our analysis did not reveal any fundamental differences with regard to the four concerns.ConclusionWe argue that with regard to the four arguments analyzed in this paper germline gene editing should be considered morally (at least) as acceptable as the selection of genomes on the basis of PGD. However, we also argue that any application of GGE in reproductive medicine should be put on hold until thorough and comprehensive laws have been implemented to prevent the abuse of GGE for non-medical enhancement.
Highlights
This paper focuses on four moral concerns raised in the debate about germline gene editing (GGE) and applies them to the practice of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for comparison: Violation of human dignity, disrespect of the autonomy and the physical integrity of the future child, discrimination of people living with a disability and the fear of slippery slope towards immoral usage of the technology, e.g. designing children for specific third party interests
We argue that any application of GGE in reproductive medicine should be put on hold until thorough and comprehensive laws have been implemented to prevent the abuse of GGE for non-medical enhancement
Four of the most prominent ethical concerns that have been raised against GGE are evaluated and compared to the practice of PGD: Violation of human dignity, disrespect of the autonomy and the physical integrity of the future child, discrimination of people living with a disability and the fear of slippery slope towards immoral usage of the technology, e.g. designing children for specific, third party interests [15, 17,18,19,20]
Summary
Human dignity and the human genome The Council of Europe emphasizes human dignity in its recommendation on Genetic Engineering in 1982 by stating that “the rights to life and to human dignity protected by Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights imply the right to inherit a genetic pattern which has not been artificially changed” [23]. Opponents of GGE formulate slippery slope arguments analogously to the above- provided SSA structure: If germline gene editing was allowed in human medicine for severe hereditary diseases (A), this would necessarily lead to violation of human dignity through eugenic use of the technology, instrumentalization of future children through non-medical enhancement and increased inequity in society through an artificial distribution of favourable biological characteristics among people living within this society (B) [15, 17, 19, 20]. It has been argued that the burden of knowledge (for patients or future parents) can potentially be unbearable and it was called for a right not to know The rationale behind this claim is that genetic testing might provide the patient with information regarding increased risks from serious diseases without having any means to reduce these risks or to get treatment [63]. Arguments based on parental autonomy should not be used against the application of gene technologies in ART in order to prevent the manifestation of a severe hereditary disease but should be used to stress the importance of appropriate regulations and laws to secure the autonomy of future parents and future children
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
