The End Of Human Genetic Engineering (CRISPR)

The End of Human Genetic Engineering Scientists and researchers around the world have recently obtained the opportunity to edit human genes with a new gene editing technology known as CRISPR. With high rates of efficiency, geneticists can now genetically alter the genes of animals, insects, vegetables and last but not least, humans. Genetically modified organisms or GMO for short, is a term that is used in our society to label and identify foods that have been created and genetically modified by scientists. Foods that are genetically modified are not something that surprise or astonish the American people. However, the idea of the existence of genetically modified human beings is something that has definitely triggered the awareness of a

CRISPR has been experimented mostly on animal embryos except for the case of the procedure that took place in China. What people worry about the most is the fear that CRISPR will be used to modify the human germ-line since it can precisely edit genes for targeted traits “which can be passed down to future generations”(The Conversation). The idea of this occurring sparks back the idea of the eugenics movement which occurred in the early 1900’s where the idea of creating the perfect race was in motion. During this time, “the eugenics movement in the US quickly focused on eliminating negative and undesirable traits” (Nature). The Eugenics movement that was evidently a “tragic time in our country’s history” (Nature) and CRISPR is the match that has sparked up the issue of creating the perfect race once

This amendment prohibited the funding towards these types of experiments, but it does not actually prohibit these experiments from occurring. The enforcement of human genetic engineering must be regulated nationwide and it should be made clear that no funds are not going into these types of