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Genome Editing : Learning from Its Past and Envisioning Its Future
Title / Series / Name
Publication Volume
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Pages
Authors
Editors
Keywords
eugenics
genetic interventions
genome editing
governance
research ethics
Health Policy
Law
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
genetic interventions
genome editing
governance
research ethics
Health Policy
Law
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14018/26607
Abstract
With the technical possibility of genome editing, we have reached a new phase of transforming human beings and even altering our genetic legacy. Genome editing constitutes new responsibilities in many fields. Science and society have never been as dependent on each other as they are today. We must also learn from the past episodes of eugenics and we need to investigate fraudulent practices and cases of failure in scientific research that have often occurred due to merciless scientific competition, profit-seeking commercial interests, or individual pride. Genome editing raises numerous legal questions, such as: Would it be possible to make a legal difference between specific versions of gene editing? Who decides on what is considered a disease or an anomaly, a condition, or a variation? Which diseases are worth being corrected or treated and which ones are not? What kinds of social implications will gene editing bring about when it becomes widely available? Some normative distinctions have already been made in the case of gene therapy: separating somatic from germline interventions. But this distinction has not yet been analyzed in the light of the most recent editing practices. Genome editing also realigns the structure of ethical debates. It makes us rethink the concept of discrimination and scrutinize its cases in the field of assisted reproductive procedures. It revolutionizes the concept of medical treatment. It may increase or reduce inequalities based on health conditions. It may lead to numerous new rights in the field of genetics. Good genome editing practice can only be achieved through the close cooperation between the natural and social sciences. The present paper will endeavor to examine this new form of dialogue.
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Place of Publication
Type
Journal article
Date
2022
Language
ISBN
Identifiers
10.1163/15718093-bja10081