Some of the U.K.’s best scientists have been given the approval to genetically modify human embryos by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). This is the first time that approval has been given for anyone to alter the DNA of an embryo, anywhere in the world.
Dr. Kathy Niakan will be leading the research at the Francis Crick Institute in London, but is receiving some controversy over the changing of the DNA. However, the BBC says that it will be illegal for the modified embryos to actually be implanted in a woman. This is experiment is taking place during the first week after fertilization, changing the egg to a blastocyst.
Dr. Niakan has said, “We would really like to understand the genes needed for a human embryo to develop successfully into a healthy baby. The reason why it is so important is because miscarriages and infertility are extremely common, but they’re not very well understood.” It is hoped that this experimentation will lead to clearing up some of the confusion and mystery behind what causes miscarriages and infertility.
This research is also believed to make it simpler for scientists to create GM babies, and, according to Dr. David King, many government advisors have said that they are in favor of allowing new techniques for it to be used. He says, “So this is the first step in a well mapped-out process leading to GM babies, and a future of consumer eugenics.”
The University of Edinburgh’s Dr. Sarah Chan has also said that the testing may touch on some “sensitive issues,” and that because of this, the ethical implications have been “carefully considered by the HFEA before being given approval to proceed.” She also believes that the researchers “should feel confident that our regulatory system in this area is functioning well to keep science aligned with social interests.”
Dr. Kathy Niakan will be leading the research at the Francis Crick Institute in London, but is receiving some controversy over the changing of the DNA. However, the BBC says that it will be illegal for the modified embryos to actually be implanted in a woman. This is experiment is taking place during the first week after fertilization, changing the egg to a blastocyst.
Dr. Niakan has said, “We would really like to understand the genes needed for a human embryo to develop successfully into a healthy baby. The reason why it is so important is because miscarriages and infertility are extremely common, but they’re not very well understood.” It is hoped that this experimentation will lead to clearing up some of the confusion and mystery behind what causes miscarriages and infertility.
This research is also believed to make it simpler for scientists to create GM babies, and, according to Dr. David King, many government advisors have said that they are in favor of allowing new techniques for it to be used. He says, “So this is the first step in a well mapped-out process leading to GM babies, and a future of consumer eugenics.”
The University of Edinburgh’s Dr. Sarah Chan has also said that the testing may touch on some “sensitive issues,” and that because of this, the ethical implications have been “carefully considered by the HFEA before being given approval to proceed.” She also believes that the researchers “should feel confident that our regulatory system in this area is functioning well to keep science aligned with social interests.”