Rough Introduction Project #2

If humans had the option to change their genetic makeup, would they? This question may have seemed far-fetched 20 years ago but with these revolutionary advancements in CRISPR technology, somatic cell editing could become much more accessible in the very near future. This kind of gene modification is used to alter disease-causing genes rather than heritable genes which are instead treated with germline editing. With this kind of technology, people would be able to use CRISPR as a form of treatment for their disease, and likely if the technology continues to advance, could even use it to cure their illness. According to the article “The future of CRISPR is now” written by Bridget Balch, Staff Writer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, clinical trials have already begun to test CRISPR technology’s effectiveness in treating these diseases such as sickle cell disease, Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (which causes vision loss), and even cancer. Balch also discusses the ethics of CRISPR technology and whether it is safe for people to experiment with on their own using kits, like high school and community college students are able to do in Delaware. (I’m not sure how to cite it but) In the essay by the Dalai Lama, the ethics of gene-editing is also discussed. He emphasizes the importance of compassion and ethics in scientific advancements like CRISPR technology, and that it is the responsibility of those with knowledge of the topic to set boundaries on what are acceptable uses of this technology. Both articles stress the importance of ethics in gene-editing and the consequences that could arise if rules are not set into place. Since the articles emphasize the need to set rules up for CRISPR technology, it leaves the impression that this technology will continue to develop and we should be prepared for when it does, rather than try to stop the development of the technology. Since scientists will continue to advance CRISPR technology, it is necessary to regulate the technology’s use with ethical approaches.