The Longtermist Case Against Genetic Selection
In 2018, the Chinese scientist He Jiankui was the first person to successfully create genetically edited babies. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, he introduced a mutation into a gene called CCR5 which provides resistance to HIV infection. While he initially was praised for advancing scientific knowledge, he was soon sentenced to several years in prison for his actions. This sudden shift in public and governmental opinion has sparked a conversation on the ethics of genetic modification. Many people support the use of gene-editing to cure potentially fatal genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, but some question the consequences of editing genes to make improvements from a person’s baseline, also known as genetic enhancement. From changing eye color to improving physical fitness, gene-editing technology could provide parents the ability to create ‘designer babies’ with traits that they consider ideal.