Genetic modification of the human germ line has been widely banned internationally for many years on both safety and ethical grounds. I predict that this is the first step on the road to the introduction of germ-line modification in the UK. On the other hand, genetic modification of the germ line will also pass on to all future descendants of the original germ-line-modified-person. Also, the expense of germ-line modification, enabling wealthy people to buy much more of it than poorer people, risks the rise of a “biological elite”. I expect that, before long, human germ-line modification will be gradually introduced and, unless serious early failures are registered, will quickly win public acceptance.

Source: The Irish Times September 06, 2018 06:00 UTC