A case for the moral duty of specific human germline genetic engineering
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a-case-for-the-moral-duty-of-specific-human-germline-genetic-engineering.pdf (152.91 KB)
0000-0002-7262-3915 Date
2024
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Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Germline gene editing (GGE) is a controversial procedure, prohibited by most intergovernmental and scientific bodies and is not currently medically utilized. However, given circumstances where GGE would be essential for human survival, it is possible that GGE could be ideal, ethical and even necessary. One such possible instance of this circumstance could be long-term presence of humans on other planets. In our paper, we point out that there is a strong case for genetically modifying humans, including through GGE, for a future settlement in space directed at preserving human (and other) species. To avoid unnecessarily suffering and death from such difficult missions and environments, GGE enhancements should be considered, although only if shown to be safe, well-regulated and efficacious. We also examine and detail how major ethical frameworks can be shown to support, rather than prohibit, such procedures.
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Szocik, Konrad, Matthew MacKay, and Christopher E. Mason. “A Case for the Moral Duty of Specific Human Germline Genetic Engineering.” International Journal of Astrobiology 23 (2024): e17. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550424000120.