CRISPR has changed the game when it comes to gene editing and we have never had so much precision. While it has the potential to cure genetic disorders and increase agricultural productivity it’s not without its ethical dilemmas.
One of the biggest concerns is the “designer baby” where parents can choose traits like intelligence or physical appearance and that raises questions about societal inequality and what’s normal. And then there’s the unintended consequences, off target effects that can lead to health problems we can’t even imagine.
The debate extends to biodiversity; altering genes in crops and animals can disrupt ecosystems. And there’s no comprehensive regulations so it’s a free for all and we risk misuse of the technology.
So let’s talk. Scientists, ethicists, policymakers. Let’s get the rules right so we can have the benefits and not the risks and not harm life itself.
