Since James Watson and Francis Crick first described the structure of the DNA double helix, scientists have debated the potential for creating genetically modified babies. In 2018, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui announced he had actually done it.
Dr. He’s story illustrates an unresolved problem with the innovation economy. Market values — prioritizing speed, profit and breakthroughs — are colliding with more fundamental values related to human health, equity and diversity.
…
Bioethics scholars have argued that Dr. He should not be allowed to publish his research, because he has violated fundamental principles and norms of science. I disagree. Much remains to be learned from his ethical missteps, as well as from his scientific data. His claims about engineering resistance to H.I.V. should be given the critical scrutiny that comes with scientific peer review. His original data should be published so that the scientific community can learn about the possibilities and problems of CRISPR in reproductive medicine.
If his technique worked, broad ethical questions need to be addressed, not brushed under the rug: If we can make effective edits to the DNA of human embryos, should we?
