Heritable Genome Editing: An Exploratory Study from the Bioethical Principle of Beneficence

Abstract

Purpose/Context. This article seeks to understand the meaning that the possibility of making genetic changes in human beings before birth would have for a group of individuals residing in Bogotá. The study focuses on the application of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique from the perspective of the bioethical principle of beneficence, i.e., to do the greatest good possible. Method/Approach. First, the CRISPR-Cas9 technique and the bioethical principle of beneficence are theoretically reviewed. Then, international regulatory documents on genome editing are examined. Based on this, a video-based survey is administered to find out the hypothetical decision that a group of lay professionals would make on bioethical issues compared to a group of university students who have received bioethical training. Results/Findings. Genome editing intended for prevention or therapy was approved by both groups, although with differences. Genome improvement was generally rejected for being immoral. However, both groups were open to accepting it but only as genome preparation for future generations due to the effects of climate change. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. The bioethical principle of beneficence is insightful as it suggests both the private and common good. Moral reservations over heritable genome editing are also corroborated.

Keywords

• crispr-cas9
• preventive genomics
• gene therapy
• genome improvement
• bioethical principle of beneficence