The genetic manipulation of human IVF embryos is set to start in Britain for the first time (Rex)
[From article]
When Chinese scientists announced earlier this year that they had genetically altered “spare” human IVF embryos using Crispr/Cas9 for research purposes, there was deep concern among many who thought that they had gone too far – the US Government later imposed a moratorium on federally-funded research in America.
However, critics of the manipulation of human IVF embryos – even when done for research purposes – have argued that it is a slippery slope to genetically-enhanced “designer babies” that might be engineered with desired traits such as intelligence or athletic ability.
The scientists behind the proposed study in the UK said they have no intention of altering the DNA of future generations but accept that this may at some point in the future be safe, medically justifiably and ethically acceptable – for instance to avoid inherited disorders or to confer disease resistance on IVF babies.
[. . .]
“There are suggestions that the methods could be used to correct genetic defects, to provide disease resistance, or even to introduce novel traits that are not found in humans. However, it is up to society to decide what is acceptable – science will merely inform what may be possible,” she added.
Parliament amended the UK’s IVF legislation in 2008 to allow genetic manipulation of embryos less than 14 days old, provided it was for research purposes and sanctioned by the HFEA. Under the HFE Act 2008, it remains illegal to create GM embryos for implanting into the womb, or to edit the “germline” DNA of chromosomes passed on to future generations.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/ivf-embryos-to-be-genetically-manipulated-as-scientists-investigate-repeated-miscarriages-10506064.html
IVF embryos to be genetically manipulated as scientists investigate repeated miscarriages
STEVE CONNOR, SCIENCE EDITOR
Friday 18 September 2015
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