The article discusses the renewed interest in creating genetically modified babies through the use of CRISPR gene editing technology. The first private company to announce plans for editing human embryos is called Manhattan Project, co-founded by entrepreneur Cathy Tie. Manhattan Project aims to explore safer gene correction methods in human embryos with a focus on preventing heritable diseases. While many scientists and bioethicists still view the idea as irresponsible due to safety concerns and ethical issues, some investors are eager to push the boundaries of what is possible. Pronatalists, who fear declining birth rates, believe that gene editing could offer a solution to prevent diseases and potentially design children with desired traits. The renewed interest in human heritable gene editing has sparked debate among opponents, who view it as a continuation of eugenics and worry about turning human reproduction into a consumer product. However, advocates argue that not using the technology if it’s safe could be unethical, particularly when it comes to preventing diseases that have no other cure. The article also mentions He Jiankui, the scientist who secretly created CRISPR gene-edited babies in China and was imprisoned for three years for violating medical regulations. Despite his conviction, he has since become defiant and plans to resume working on gene-edited babies. Tie, the Manhattan Project co-founder, confirms that she is no longer married to He and that he will have nothing to do with her new company.
A new push for the creation of genetically modified babies is gaining momentum as Silicon Valley startups, entrepreneurs, and some pronatalists are eager to test gene editing on human embryos. One such startup is Manhattan Project, a New York City-based company founded by entrepreneur Cathy Tie. The goal of Manhattan Project is to explore how to make gene correction in human embryos more safely, with the intention of preventing heritable diseases.
Tie emphasizes that the company aims to operate in the open and with good intentions. She plans to use newer, potentially less risky gene-editing techniques to prove it would be safe to modify embryos for the purpose of creating healthier babies. Tie says she would only try to prevent disease, stating that there are many diseases without cures and that it is the responsibility of researchers to discuss heritable diseases with patients who may want an option to not pass them on to their future generations.
However, some investors are looking to go further, aiming to design children with specific traits that parents desire. Malcolm Collins and his wife Simone are vocal pronatalists who say they are funding various cutting-edge reproductive technologies. They argue that using such technology is not playing God, comparing it to the use of glasses or blood transfusions in the past. They express excitement for a future where some people may choose to leverage these technologies more extensively.
While many scientists endorse researching genetic modification of sperm, eggs, and embryos, they emphasize the importance of safety as the top priority and limiting initial attempts to editing out diseases. Dr. Paula Amato works on embryo editing at the Oregon Health and Science University and acknowledges that NIH typically does not support human embryo research, so she welcomes the involvement of the technology bros in the field.
The renewed interest in gene-edited babies has sparked concerns among opponents, who argue that this movement is a modern incarnation of eugenics and could lead to mass production of genetically engineered human beings. Katie Hasson, associate director of the Center for Genetics and Society, worries that this development means we are headed towards a new era of high-tech, market-based eugenics.
As the quest for gene-edited babies continues, debates about ethics, safety, and the potential implications for humanity persist. The CRISPR baby scandal in China serves as a reminder that this field must be approached with caution and transparency to ensure responsible and ethical advancements.