The announcement of Dr. Jiankui He that he successfully edited twins and are resistant to HIV infection shocked the scientifc world who was so careful not to cross the line between somatic gene therapy and germline gene modifcation. Scientifc and ethical issues were raised by different groups and governance bodies and until today the debates are still raging. Te reality that the human germline can now be edited to produce new humans who are resistant to diseases cannot now be denied and the world is not ready to respond to such reality. In this paper, we shall examine the case of Dr. he and answer some scientifc and ethical problems and issues surrounding the experiment. Issues of regulation will also be discussed and its implications to genetic engineering and research. Worldwide rejection and prohibition of germline genetic modifcation or inheritable genetic modifcation is based on the conviction the human dignity is inviolable, and this is extended to the human gene pool, which is the heritage of humanity. Dr. He also violated sacrosanct ethics principles such as informed consent, benefcence and nonmalefcence, and protection of human subjects.
ISSN 2012-2353 (Print)
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