The Legal Framework of New Zealand Concerning Germline Interventions

Abstract

New Zealand’s legal system uses statute law and regulatory bodies to regulate genome editing techniques applied to germline cells. This paper will set out the regulation of germline editing techniques in New Zealand. Based on this analysis, this paper will then point to existing legal problems and questions in relation to germline interventions before proposing solutions and approaches to these problems. Ultimately, the use of new genome editing technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and the enzyme Cas9 (together, CRISPR and Cas9) has vast potential consequences given that unintended heritable changes could be passed from generation to generation. New Zealand’s legal framework provides for decision-makers to regulate germline interventions, yet significant gaps in law and outdated advice given by relevant advisory bodies mean that New Zealand’s legal framework inadequately addresses the significant and pressing implications of germline interventions in modern science. This paper reflects New Zealand’s legal position as at 30 April 2017.