Gene Editing is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism. Gene Editing is debated a lot. Indeed, some people think it is a great chance for humanity to eradicate illness. But others may be afraid of the risks. How far can gene Editing go ? What are the risks ?
On the one hand, gene Editing can help to cure people and eradicate illness. But on the other hand, people may abuse of this technology. Gene Editing is getting more and more concrete day after day and thanks to it some people were already saved. For example, Charlie Whitaker was born with DBA, a debilitating genetic condition. His parents wanted to cure him by giving Birth to another child. Jamie, his brother, was born in 2003. He was clear of the disease. The doctors transplanted Jamie’s gene into Charlie. Since that Charlie has no more traces of DBA in his bone marrow. In this case, the saviour sibling is loved by his family and was ok to help his brother.
As we said, some people may abuse of gene Editing. Maybe this technology will allow us to customise our children. For example, we can imagine that we might be able to choose the IQ, the hair color etc. By changing the genome it can create new diseases. In the worse case, it can lead to an eugenic society in which only “perfect human” are able to live.
Gene Editing can be a great chance for humanity to cure diseases and save people but not at any costs. But we can’t avoid the risk that people might make a bad use of it.
