SA's genome editing guidelines spark global concern

FUTURE OF HUMANITY

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

IMAGINE this — a future where parents could choose their baby’s eye colour, height or even intelligence.

Sounds like science fiction, right? But it’s closer than you think.

Let’s start with a simple, human truth: most of us want healthy children and fair rules.

That’s why the words “genome editing” and “designer babies” spark such strong feelings.

The science behind “designer babies”, known as heritable human genome editing (HHGE), isn’t just a plot for futuristic movies.

It’s a real possibility, a topic of heated debate and, right now, South Africa is at the heart of the conversation.

What exactly is genome editing?

HHGE means editing sperm, eggs or embryos in ways that future generations would inherit.

In simple terms, genome editing means making precise changes to our DNA, the genetic code that makes us who we are.

HHGE takes this further by editing sperm, eggs or embryos in ways that pass those changes on to future generations.

This technology has the potential to prevent serious genetically inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell disease, by correcting the faulty genes that cause these conditions.

However, the implications of this technique go far beyond the possibility of preventing disease.

The idea of altering the human genome raises profound ethical, social and safety concerns, which have led to a global consensus against its use in clinical settings.

However, it's also vital to consider the potential benefits.

For example, the possibility of eliminating certain genetic mutations, like those causing sickle-cell disease, could save countless lives by preventing severe health conditions before they manifest.

This juxtaposition of risk and reward encourages a more nuanced reflection on the future of genome editing.