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- Page navigation anchor for RE: “CRISPR BABIES”: What does this mean for science and Canada?”RE: “CRISPR BABIES”: What does this mean for science and Canada?”
Dear Colleagues,
May I ask for your input on this quotation from the article “CRISPR BABIES”: What does this mean for science and Canada?”?
“Perhaps the time has come to reorient our models of governance of emerging biotechnologies from reliance on the hybrid model of statutory law plus codes of ethics.” (p. 24 of print edition, emphasis added).
It was alarming enough to read the later sentence that appeared to dismiss “ ‘morality’ arguments” (such pesky things, those morals!) but if I read the above statement correctly, it suggests that we should not consider the law or ethics when considering the use of new biotechnologies. The authors then point out that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the universal right to benefit from scientific advancement, as though this trumps any legal or ethical consideration! (Surely the authors of the Universal Declaration would not have intended their work to be used in this way..?)
This is deeply disturbing. I'm not a scientist, and I’m sure it is difficult, in ways that I can't fully appreciate, to do research within the constraints of a legal framework which does not comprehend the nuances. But what is the purpose of the legal system, if not to protect people from certain unethical behaviours? And then, to suggest that scientists also dismiss ethical frameworks?
Someone please tell me I have misunderstood this. Esteemed, accomplished scientists, in a prominent medica...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared. - Page navigation anchor for RE: Lulu and Nana (2018) open pandora's box way beyond Louise Brown (1978): Must it remain closed for everRE: Lulu and Nana (2018) open pandora's box way beyond Louise Brown (1978): Must it remain closed for ever
Genomics revolution has opened Pandora’s box for all life forms and continues to present challenge at every breakthrough. It pushes boundaries of what is possible and acceptable. For example, today, it is realistic to obtain the complete DNA sequence (genome) of any individual. This linear sequence made up of four bases, adenine (A), thymidine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G) holds the clue to our relationship across the evolutionary tree, including interrelatedness among individuals. It also provides the clues to our differences including risks to develop diseases. The consensus among researchers, clinicians and other professionals is that the ‘omics’ revolution will transform lifetime healthcare and lifestyle decisions. A global Personal Genome Project (PGP) network that currently comprises five active PGPs in the United States (Boston, since 2005), Canada (Toronto, since 2012), United Kingdom (London, since 2013), Austria (Vienna, since 2014) and China (Shanghai, since 2017) is already underway and has begun to report on valuable findings. To this end, some argue it is desirable to obtain the complete genome sequence of every newborn and use it in dealing with health concerns throughout life. This appears logical given that such individual specific sequences may become a reality for as little as $100 in the near future. It will save diagnostics costs and contain the most relevant information possible. On reflection, this information is bound to have positive as well as...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared. - Page navigation anchor for RE: Gene-edited babiesRE: Gene-edited babies
.With assisted reproductive technologies and creation of IVF babies from the days of Louise Brown till today the field has evolved into a specialty clinic in Gynecology. IVF gave hope for begetting children to childless couples and it was celebrated as a salvation to the misery an infertile couple at a personal and societal level. With lots of unanswered ethical questions the field has flourished.to include sperm and oocyte storage banks to preimplantation genetic testing. The field has become a very welcome addition to the field of Reproductive Medicine. The introduction of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics we are looking at a technologically dominant society. The scientific curiosity and the inquisitiveness human mind try always to transgress the boundaries of how far one can go to promote health of the society. But the scientific committee has formed ethical guidelines to be followed strictly to manipulate human embryos. Gene-edited babies are one of those areas that has made a scientists to claim CRISPR baby has been created and there is going to be a third baby in the pipeline. It was claimed that such a study was done to create babies that could resist or fight AIDS. Science of genetics and genetic editing may help to understand the developmental aspects of an embryo or say early human development. We are living in a mechanized world of medicine where artificial intelligence and robotic medicine are revolutionizing healthcare. The science of genetics and its out...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.