Most Brits say gene editing to reduce risk of disease should be allowed
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One in ten support changing a child’s intelligence or appearance through gene editing – with young people most likely to consider it for their own future children.
By Victoria Waldersee
Gene editing is a form of technology by which scientists can add, remove or alter a living organism’s DNA.
The technology has the potential to radically reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of genetically inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease. A form of gene editing called CRISPR is already being used by scientists in China to alter disease-causing genetic mutations in human embryos.
However, some are concerned about the ethical implications of other potential uses of gene editing – including changing DNA to alter a person’s appearance or personality.
New YouGov research explores the extent to which the public supports gene editing, and whether they would consider using the technology to alter the genetic makeup of any future offspring.
Editing genes to reduce the risk ...
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