Preventing designer babies

Click here to know on CRISPR

What is the issue?

With the evolutionary technique entailing the editing of genes by bacterial DNA scissors called CRISPR, the debate on designer babies is set in motion.

What are the concerns to be addressed?

• Beauty - There is a possibility of using it to alter genes to make babies look more attractive, smarter, stronger, etc.
• Confusion of “cure” with “cosmetics” need to be addressed.
• The technique should be used solely for life-saving medical interventions, while the cosmetic baby design should be prevented.
• Safety - Most drug regulatory regimes insist that drug makers submit clinical trial data to establish that their drugs are safe and effective.
• The issue in this case is about the longevity of these trials as genetic changes and alterations take years to manifest.
• An incremental case-by-case approach could be adopted.
• IP - Governments must get it right while dealing with the corporate conglomerates, and their “trade secret” and other intellectual property (IP) issues.
• We need to therefore encourage more transparency and openness and open up this gene trial data to the wider public, and to scientists and doctors.
• Given all these concerns it is essential to establish firmly, certain baseline principles to go ahead with gene editing in all its fairness.

Source: The Hindu