Gene Editing: A Current Reality

We possess the capability and technology to create genetically modified offspring, with an understanding of altering basic traits. Yet, the costs remain prohibitive for anything beyond essential interventions.

As of now, some gene-editing procedures are accessible, enabling parents to choose their child's sex during pregnancy at a price ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. However, finding clinics that offer these services can prove challenging due to varying policies regarding when such treatments are permissible. Typically, these procedures are restricted to medical necessities, such as preventing genetic diseases that affect one sex more than the other, and require in vitro fertilization (IVF), which boasts a success rate of around 50%. Consequently, the total cost of sex selection could spiral to approximately $50,000.

In addition, a range of genetic tests is available for parents to explore their own and their children’s genetic profiles, with prices varying from $100 to $2,000 depending on complexity. These tests, however, do not provide preventative care or treatment.

Currently, genetic counseling represents the most tangible option for parents wishing to "design" their children. Before conception, prospective parents can collaborate with geneticists to evaluate the risks of genetic disorders and decide whether to proceed with having children.

Despite the high expenses associated with gene editing, the first gene-edited babies have already been born and are reportedly thriving without significant complications. However, the ethical implications surrounding their creation cannot be overlooked, as the researcher responsible, He Jiankui, faced legal repercussions for his unapproved and unethical practices. His experiment, which aimed to confer immunity to HIV, raised serious questions about the safety and legitimacy of such modifications.

The Impact of Controversy and COVID-19

The controversy surrounding gene editing has undoubtedly contributed to a slowdown in research. Any experiments involving human subjects are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and the stakes are even higher when it involves children or embryos. He Jiankui's bypassing of these protocols ignited a backlash and deepened the ethical discourse surrounding gene editing.

Moreover, the emergence of COVID-19 shifted research priorities, redirecting funding and focus towards understanding the virus's genome, which sidelined studies related to designer genes. However, as the world emerges from the pandemic, research on genetic editing is beginning to regain momentum.

The inherent risks tied to gene modification also impede rapid advancement. Dr. John Leonard from Intellia Therapeutics noted that while CRISPR technology minimizes off-target effects, the potential for unintended consequences persists. The high costs associated with CRISPR-based experiments further complicate progress, with lab experiments costing tens of thousands of dollars, making them unfeasible for many research institutions.

Anticipating Designer Genes

The capability to edit genes for health-related purposes exists; we can modify embryos to reduce disease risk, select for sex, and even alter certain physical traits. Yet, the barriers to widespread application are no longer scientific; they are rooted in financial, ethical, and societal concerns.

Given the backlash faced by the pioneer of fetal genome editing, ethical considerations and public sentiment may serve as the most significant obstacles to innovation in this arena. Although some segments of the population are becoming more open to the idea of gene editing for their children, a substantial portion remains cautious, particularly regarding the potential for genetic enhancement.

It's crucial to recognize that we're on the cusp of a breakthrough, with artificial intelligence poised to revolutionize the medical field, including genetics. Experts predict that the integration of AI into genetic research could accelerate advancements more dramatically than in any other sector.

Exploring the Consequences of Gene Editing

Several countries have already enacted regulations to curtail non-medical gene editing, including the creation of designer babies. However, as the technology evolves, it will be essential for policymakers, scientists, and society at large to ensure its ethical and responsible implementation.

Countries that embrace genetic engineering may benefit economically from medical tourism, attracting parents with the financial means to utilize these advancements. This trend risks exacerbating economic inequalities, as only the affluent may initially access these technologies. Such disparities could reinforce societal divisions, transforming gene editing from a potential life-enhancing tool into an advantage reserved for the elite.

While we may not be on the verge of experiencing the gene editing depicted in GATTACA, the potential for economic inequality looms large. Without proactive measures to address these disparities, gene editing risks becoming a privilege rather than a universal benefit.

At present, the cost of creating genetically modified children remains prohibitively high for all but the wealthiest. However, as we stand on the threshold of gene editing, it is crucial to contemplate the implications this technology may have for our society. Careful regulation and consideration of ethical concerns are imperative as we navigate this new frontier.

Let's ensure we make the most of this pivotal moment in history.

The first video explores Gattaca, a film that challenges genetic limitations and raises ethical questions surrounding gene editing.

The second video delves into the themes of eugenics and determinism presented in GATTACA, offering a critical look at the implications of genetic manipulation.