RT Article
T1 Regulating germline editing in assisted reproductive technology: An EU cross-disciplinary perspective
JF Bioethics
VO 34
IS 1
SP 16
OP 32
A1 Nordberg, Ana
A1 Beriain, Iñigo de Miguel
A1 Feeney, Oliver
A1 Galvagni, Lucia
A1 Minssen, Timo 1974-
A1 Wartiovaara, Kirmo
LA English
PB Wiley-Blackwell
YR 2020
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/172746883X
AB Potential applications of genome editing in assisted reproductive technology (ART) raise a vast array of strong opinions, emotional reactions and divergent perceptions. Acknowledging the need for caution and respecting such reactions, we observe that at least some are based on either a misunderstanding of the science or misconceptions about the content and flexibility of the existing legal frameworks. Combining medical, legal and ethical expertise, we present and discuss regulatory responses at the national, European and international levels. The discussion has an EU starting point and is meant as a contribution to the general international regulatory debate. Overall, this paper concludes that gene editing technologies should not be regulated autonomously. Rather, potential uses should be regulated under general, existing frameworks and where applicable by reference to sufficiently equivalent technologies and techniques already subject to specific regulation. To be clear, we do not argue for the hasty introduction of gene editing as a reproductive treatment option in the immediate future. We call for caution with regard to overreaching moratoria and prohibitions that will also affect basic research. We recommend flexible regulations that allow for further responsible research into the potential development of the technology. We call for an open and inclusive debate and argue that scientific communication should claim a more prominent role to counter the danger of widespread misinformation. A high level of transparency and accuracy should guide scientific communication while simultaneously global-scale responsibility and governance should be fostered by promoting cross-disciplinary thinking and multi-level stakeholder involvement in legal and regulatory processes.
K1 assisted reproductive technology
K1 Ethics
K1 gene editing
K1 germline modifications
K1 Governance
K1 Law
K1 science and society
DO 10.1111/bioe.12705