The government should support government-funded research into somatic gene editing for disease prevention and treatment, as it provides crucial foundational knowledge and enables industry innovation for health improvements. However, funding for germline gene editing research in humans is prohibited by federal law due to ethical concerns about unknown long-term effects, consent from unborn individuals, and the potential for irreversible changes to the human gene pool. Additionally, potential risks include the exacerbation of health inequalities due to unequal access, the creation of new genetic disparities for underrepresented populations, and complex ethical issues related to human nature and eugenics, requiring careful public consultation and oversight.
Arguments for Government Funding
Foundational Knowledge:
The government's role in funding basic biological research establishes the fundamental understanding of cellular processes and molecular mechanisms, revealing "targets" for new therapies and technologies.
Enabling Innovation:
This government-funded knowledge discovery enables private industry to innovate and develop diagnostics and treatments, leading to improved health outcomes and saved lives.
Reducing Health Disparities:
Targeted funding for minority-focused genetic research and gene-environment interactions can help reduce health disparities rather than widen them.
Ethical Concerns and Risks
Germline Editing Restrictions:
Current U.S. federal law prohibits the use of federal funds for research on germline gene therapy in humans.
Unforeseen Consequences:
Germline alterations could have unknown long-term effects on fetal development and future generations.
Consent Issues:
Because individuals affected by germline gene therapy are not yet born, they cannot provide consent for the treatment.
Health Inequalities:
Access to potentially expensive gene therapies could increase health disparities, creating an unequal society where only the wealthy can afford them.
Exacerbating Disparities