Not Enough Evidence
Edward Lanphier, founder of Sangamo Biosciences, argues that the current methods, like those of Wang, do not provide enough evidence that CRISPR will be able to edit germ line cells [sperm and egg]. He believes they “focus on modifying the genetic material of somatic cells, such as T cells [a type of white blood cell]. [which] are not designed to affect sperm or eggs”. He is saying that these studies make it seem like there is a lot of progress being made to edit reproductive cells and are close to getting it just right. However, the T cells are somatic cells, so they are not passed on to the next generation. Thus, the current studies are not providing enough evidence to prove that this method will be safe and effective to cure HIV.
Some researchers are not completely opposed to gene editing. Penny Sarchet, a biomedical news editor at New Scientist, argues that the current methods are not providing enough evidence from research that editing an embryo’s genes will be impactful. She states “when it comes to treating disease in the near future, it is the adult methods that hold the most immediate promise”. She is saying that the methods that have been done on embryos have not been proven to be effective. Editing the genes of an embryo brings about more ethical concerns. There is more of a justification to editing the genes of an adult because they have consent. They have HIV, so they will be willing to try anything to get rid of it. That may be true, but is it fair for the kids who will have the disease once they are born?
Not only are there concerns about the methods used, but Matt Atherton, a science reporter for the International Business Times, is also worried that this technology will lead to unintended consequences. He claims that genome editing could ultimately lead to a new kind of discrimination. He is concerned about the amount of power this would give humans, and how it could lead to parents treating their child like a project. Atherton argues that by being able to edit the human genome, it could make parents go overboard and pick and choose genes, as if they were shopping. He worries about the interest of some researchers who may be in it to make designer babies who have perfect site and intelligence, instead of using it to cure a disease like HIV.
Designer Babies
