The idea that we could genetically modify the human genome has been talked about for decades. However, there is a lot of controversy around whether genetically modifying people is ethical and even scientifically possible without complications. Many nations have already banned genetically modifying humans, for fear that this technology could be used for altering characteristics like eye color, height, and IQ (New York Times). However, recently a researcher in China, He Jiankui, announced that he had successfully modified a gene of a set of twin babies.
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His goal was to change the gene CCR5 so that the twins would be resistant to contracting HIV. While He Jiankui claims that this experiment has been successful, he has not published any scientific journals or shown any data to prove it. Many scientists across the globe are upset with He Jiankui for proceeding with the experiment when there is still not enough research done on the topic.
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They argue that his experiment unethical, seeing as there could be possible effects that his gene modification has on the babies. A professor at UCL who specializes in human embryology and genetics has called Jiankui’s experiment “premature, dangerous and irresponsible”(The Guardian). There still needs to be years of research and experimentation to explore the many effects and complications modifying human genomes can cause. Even though it may be possible to change genomes successfully right now, there is still the ethical aspect of this research. Many global scientists denounce modifying genes, as it could lead to the human race creating designer babies(choosing out their offsprings athletic ability, hair color, height, etc) which would ultimately change the genetic makeup of the whole human race.
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There will always be the threat that people are going to use this for their own purposes, without regard for the greater good of the world. While modifying genes could be potentially beneficial for preventing certain diseases, the risk that it could