CRISPR Cas9 and Designer Babies: How Far is too Far?

            A very new, exciting, and controversial topic is gaining attention all over the world. Genome editing is possible with the use of CRISPR Cas9, a genome editing tool that allows addition, removal, and alteration of DNA segments within a genome. CRISPR is a segment of DNA with short repeats of base sequences, derived from prokaryotic organisms which use CRISPR in their defense against viruses. Cas9 is an enzyme that cuts a specific segment of double-stranded DNA within a genome, allowing addition or removal of DNA. It is currently the cheapest, most convenient, most versatile, and precise way of gene manipulation.

China and the United States are the only two places in the world that are currently performing human trials for genome editing. There are many restrictions as to what these human trials can entail, and scientists are looking into future implications of genome editing in humans. In the future, CRISPR Cas9 could be used for getting rid of diseases, creating designer babies, allowing eternal youth, and aiding in infertility. Genome editing could eventually change the entire human gene pool if there aren’t any regulations of what people are able to change about themselves or their children. When discovering the power of genome editing and its implications, we must determine what is right from wrong. We must ask ourselves, at what point is genome editing not necessary or ethical? The real question is, “How far is too far when it comes to genome editing?” (by RB and CA)

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CRISPR Cas9. 

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