Many believe that tampering with human DNA is tantamount to “playing God”, and a boundary that must not be transgressed. Caution in the face of the unknown has led to blanket bans on certain genetic technologies. Our understanding of genetics, however, is evolving at a dizzying pace. This has led to the development of new genetic technologies, which make it possible to directly edit human genetic makeup.
Apart from an international moratorium on altering human reproductive cells, the regulation of genetic technologies is much less restrictive than it was a mere decade ago. Many countries across the world are now competing to become leaders in genetic technologies, and great strides are being taken. Ten years ago, few could have imagined that the first genetically modified human beings would soon be born. That blood and skin cells could be reprogrammed to make any type of cell in the body, and that newborn children would have their genome sequenced at birth.
Ten years ago, few could have imagined that the first genetically modified human beings would soon be born.
We are without doubt witnessing a significant moment in human history; these new ‘powers’ bring great responsibilities. A familiar pattern is emerging, however, and it does not bode well for the future. The genetic technology sector has become the focus of the economic policies of governments. Big decisions are being taken by a small group of people who often have vested interests, including government officials, individual scientists, and those working in industry. Whilst there is something inevitable about genetic technologies, what remains to be seen is how we choose to use them. The danger with the commercially-driven approach to genetic technologies that governments are driving is that the window of opportunity for the public to be heard is closing.
