A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of genetics, fueled by the involvement of prominent tech figures. Brian Armstrong and Sam Altman, names synonymous with innovation in the digital realm, are now early investors in a startup with a profoundly ambitious – and controversial – goal: to create genetically engineered babies.
The specter of this endeavor immediately evokes the case of He Jiankui, the Chinese scientist who shocked the world by announcing the birth of the first gene-edited twins. His work, intended to confer resistance to HIV, was met with widespread condemnation and ultimately led to a three-year prison sentence for violating medical ethics and regulations.
He Jiankui’s actions triggered a global outcry, prompting calls for a moratorium on germline editing – alterations to DNA that are heritable, passed down to future generations. American researchers urged a temporary halt to all clinical applications, fearing a reckless plunge into uncharted territory.
The concern wasn’t simply about the science itself, but the potential for abuse. In 2019, U.S. senators proposed a solution focused on international cooperation, aiming to establish universal standards for gene editing. The goal was to prevent unethical researchers from seeking refuge in countries with lax oversight.
Currently, U.S. federal law prohibits the use of taxpayer money for research involving human germline gene therapy. This reflects the deep ethical concerns surrounding the practice – the potential to eradicate genetic diseases versus the risk of unforeseen consequences for the modified individual and their descendants.
A fundamental ethical dilemma lies in the inability of future generations to consent to these genetic alterations. They are the subjects of an experiment they cannot choose to participate in, raising questions about autonomy and the right to an unaltered genome.
Despite the federal funding restrictions, a complete ban on germline editing in the U.S. doesn’t exist. Privately funded laboratories are legally permitted to conduct non-clinical research. However, bringing such a therapy to market would require navigating the rigorous approval process of the Food and Drug Administration, including extensive clinical trials.
The involvement of Armstrong and Altman signals a new phase in this debate, one where the resources and ambition of Silicon Valley are brought to bear on the most fundamental questions of human existence. It’s a development that demands careful consideration, as the future of our species may hang in the balance.
