The National Academy of Sciences on May 18th said they will convene an international summit in the fall, to explore ethical and policy issues associated with the technology 'CRISPR-Cas9' which would allow scientists to edit virtually any gene they target.
The technology potentially could be used to create 'designer babies' and has ignited an outcry from scientists when it was used in China to alter the DNA of human embryos. The technique holds the power to repair or enhance any human gene. Scientists say that while replacing a defective gene with a normal one may seem entirely harmless, the dangers remain unknown.
On Tuesday, the White House said further studies are needed by the ethical issues associated with gene-editing on the human genome needs further study by the scientific community and should not be pursued until issues are resolved.
John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said in a statement on the White House website, "The administration believes that altering the human germline for clinical purposes is a line that should not be crossed at this time."
"Research along these lines raises serious and urgent questions about the potential implications for clinical applications that could lead to genetically altered humans," Holdren added.
"The full implications of such a step could not be known until a number of generations had inherited the genetic changes made - and choices made in one country could affect all of us," Holdren said.
In March 2015, a group of leading biologists called for a worldwide moratorium on the use of a new genome-editing technique that would alter human DNA in a way that can be inherited. Since the new technique is so effective and easy to use, biologists fear that some physicians may begin altering human genome before its safety can be assessed.
The group want the public to understand ethical issues surrounding gene editing which could be used to cure genetic diseases, but also to enhance qualities like beauty or intelligence - which should never be done.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research supports the proposed moratorium.
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