Chinese scientist says he’s created the world’s first genetically edited babies
Are there moral problems with this? Should there be limitations? If so what are the problems, how should we limit this science and why?
I can see several potential problems and also several reasons to do it.
It can be cruel, negligent and has the potential to destroy society.
It could also make people happier, tougher, more able to live in more places.
I am in favor of the following improvements:
1. Genetic improvements which remove our dependency upon vitamins, curing vitamin deficiencies.
2. Genetic improvements which are trial based, individual and minimal, which do not impede a person's ability to integrate into society.
3. Simulation of genetic improvements using computers.
4. Genetic removal of serious deformative and terminal illness such as those which cause blindness, deafness, deformed limbs etc.
I am not in favor of:
1. Contagious viruses that spread improvements through populations
2. Major improvements such as radically increased brain function or radically improved eyesight
3. Improvements which have not been simulated by computer
My thinking is that any improvements should wait until the genetic effects can be simulated in computers. Before human trials they should be reversible through retroviruses, and the treatment should be available before the improvements are created. This way there can be human trials without permanent damage. Computer simulation is possible and therefore should be a requirement.