RT Article
T1 Time to start intervening in the human germline? A utilitarian perspective
JF Bioethics
VO 34
IS 1
SP 90
OP 104
A1 Smith, Kevin
LA English
PB Wiley-Blackwell
YR 2020
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1727468902
AB Focusing on present-day possibilities raised by existing technology, I consider the normative aspects of genetically modifying the human germline from a utilitarian standpoint. With reference to a hypothetical case, I examine the probable consequences of permitting a well-conceived attempt to correct a disease-associated gene in the human germline using current CRISPR gene-editing technology. I consider inter alia the likely effects on utility of creating healthy new lives, of discouraging adoption, and of kickstarting a revolution in human germline genetic modification (HGGM). I reject various objections to HGGM, including claims that the risks of genetic harm outweigh the likely benefits. From this utilitarian analysis, I conclude that strong grounds exist to support intervening in the human germline using current technology. Delay in commencing such work will impose a utility cost, because the longer we wait until commencing the HGGM revolution and moving towards a world of increased utility, the greater will be the quantity of suffering accrued meantime through genetically influenced disease. Nevertheless, considering residual safety concerns and the negative publicity engendered by an ethically problematic recent (2018) first attempt at HGGM, it seems prudent—and ultimately generative of the greatest amount of utility—to delay implementing HGGM for a modest period of time, in the order of 1-2 years.
K1 CRISPR
K1 Genetic Engineering
K1 genetic modification
K1 germline modification
K1 Utilitarianism
DO 10.1111/bioe.12691