Ethical concerns with crispr

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Ethical Concerns with CRISPR Technology

Introduction to CRISPR and Ethical Implications

CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing technology, has transformed the landscape of genetic research and therapy. However, its rapid adoption has raised numerous ethical concerns that need careful consideration. These concerns span various domains, including human health, environmental impact, and societal implications.

Human Germline Editing: Safety and Morality

One of the most contentious ethical issues surrounding CRISPR is its application in human germline editing. This involves making genetic modifications that can be inherited by future generations. The primary concerns here are the potential for unforeseen and undesirable effects, which could have long-term consequences on human health and safety 129. The risk of exploitation for eugenics, where genetic editing could be used to create "designer babies," further complicates the ethical landscape .

Regulatory Frameworks and Informed Consent

The lack of a well-defined regulatory framework for CRISPR applications, especially in clinical settings, is another significant ethical concern. Ensuring informed consent is crucial, particularly when the technology is used to correct or prevent genetic diseases 69. There is a pressing need for stringent regulations and guidelines to govern the responsible use of CRISPR, along with international standards to prevent misuse 15.

Dual-Use and Biosecurity Risks

CRISPR's potential for dual-use, where the technology could be repurposed for harmful applications, poses a serious biosecurity threat. The ease of access to CRISPR technology means that it could be used to create bioagents that pose risks to public safety. This necessitates the involvement of international bodies like the Biological Toxins and Weapons Convention (BTWC) to ensure comprehensive oversight and the development of ethical norms .

Environmental and Non-Human Applications

CRISPR's application is not limited to humans; it also extends to other species and the environment. Ethical concerns here include the potential for unintended ecological consequences and the welfare of genetically modified animals. While CRISPR offers more precision compared to previous gene-editing technologies, its versatility means that more animals could be engineered, raising animal welfare issues 47.

Public Engagement and Ethical Decision-Making

Public engagement is essential to address the ethical concerns surrounding CRISPR. A framework for public decision-making can help ensure that societal values and ethical considerations are incorporated into the development and application of CRISPR technology. This includes addressing misperceptions and inflated views of risk, as well as considering diverse moral and religious perspectives .

Conclusion

CRISPR technology holds immense promise for advancing human health and biotechnology. However, its ethical implications are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these concerns requires a collaborative effort involving scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public. By developing robust regulatory frameworks and fostering open dialogue, we can harness the benefits of CRISPR while mitigating its ethical risks.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

CRISPR Ethics: Moral Considerations for Applications of a Powerful Tool.

Moral decision-making on CRISPR applications should evolve as genomic engineering advances, and national and supranational legislatures should consider evidence-based regulation for better human health and progress.

Highly Cited

2019·

125citations

·Carolyn Brokowski et al.

Ethical issues of CRISPR technology and gene editing through the lens of solidarity

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has potential for gene therapy and gene engineering, but a moratorium on germ line manipulation is needed due to ethical concerns and public good priorities.

Systematic Review

2017·

55citations

·J. Mulvihill et al.

CRISPR-Mediated Gene Editing: Scientific and Ethical Issues.

CRISPR-mediated gene editing faces concerns over poor efficiency and specificity, leading to negative ethical and scientific consequences for GM animals.

2019·

6citations

·Jarrod Bailey

No time to waste—the ethical challenges created by CRISPR

CRISPR raises many ethical issues, not just related to human germ line editing, but also other species and the environment.

Highly Cited

2015·

123citations

·A. Caplan et al.

Gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9: implications for dual-use and biosecurity

CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool has potential for therapeutic uses, but international ethical standards and biosecurity measures are needed to prevent potential public safety threats.

2017·

32citations

·Diane DiEuliis et al.

A Scoping Review on the Ethical Issues in the Use of CRISPR-Cas9 in the Creation of Human Disease Models

CRISPR-Cas9 technology raises ethical concerns, including safety, efficacy, unintended consequences, harm to the environment, off-target effects, obtaining informed consent, and the risk of misuse.

Systematic Review

2023·

1citation

·Russell Franco Dâ€™Souza et al.

Is CRISPR an Ethical Game Changer?

CRISPR gene-editing technology has significantly shifted ethical debates and may improve animal welfare through disease resistance.

2018·

33citations

·Marcus Schultz-Bergin

CRISPR Gene-Therapy: A Critical Review of Ethical Concerns and a Proposal for Public Decision-Making

CRISPR gene therapy has no intrinsic objections, but a practical moral framework can help public decision-making and reduce the risk of decisions based on misperceptions, inflated risk views, or unreasonable moral or religious views.

Literature Review

2022·

0citations

·Victor R. Lange et al.

Ethical Issues Regarding CRISPR Mediated Genome Editing.

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing raises ethical, moral, and safety concerns, requiring stringent regulations and worldwide debate to ensure responsible and wise use.

2018·

50citations

·Z. Shinwari et al.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing: Research technologies, clinical applications and ethical considerations.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology shows promise for treating human diseases, but technical challenges and ethical considerations must be addressed before it becomes commonplace in clinical applications.

2018·

51citations

·F. Memi et al.

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