Does human genome editing reinforce or violate human dignity?

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8704792 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1467-8519 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 02699702 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Bioethics Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell
Original Publication: Oxford ; New York : Basil Blackwell, c1987-

Genome, Human* ; Germ Cells* ; Personhood*; Gene Editing/*ethics ; Human Rights/*ethics ; Human Rights/*legislation & jurisprudence; Gene Editing/legislation & jurisprudence ; Humans

Germline genome editing is often disapproved of at the international policy level because of its possible threats to human dignity. However, from a critical perspective the relationship between this emerging technology and human dignity is relatively understudied. We explore the main principles that are referred to when 'human dignity' is invoked in this context; namely, the link with eugenics, the idea of a common genetic heritage, the principle of equal birth and broader equality and justice concerns. Yet the concept is also used in favour of germline genome editing as it might improve the overall well-being of future generations. We conclude that dignity concerns do not justify a complete ban on safe heritable genome editing but should inform the implementation of side constraints to ensure that the value judgements about human traits that are inherent in this practice do not result in a diminished basic respect for those people affected by them.
(© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Keywords: Oviedo Convention; disability; equality; germline genome editing; human dignity

Date Created: 20190622 Date Completed: 20200727 Latest Revision: 20200727

20231215

10.1111/bioe.12607

31222790