Altered inheritance : CRISPR and the ethics of human genome editing /

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Baylis, Françoise, 1961- author.
Imprint:Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2019.
©2019
Description:1 online resource (287 pages) : illustrations
Language:English
Subject:
Format: E-Resource Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/13541836
Hidden Bibliographic Details
ISBN:0674241959
9780674241954
9780674241961
0674241967
9780674976719
0674976711
Digital file characteristics:text file
PDF
Notes:Includes bibliographical references and index.
Print version record
Summary:With the advent of CRISPR gene-editing technology, designer babies have become a reality. The author insists that scientists alone cannot decide the terms of this changing era in human evolution. Members of the public, with diverse interests and perspectives, must have a role in determining our future as a species. --
Other form:Print version: Baylis, Françoise, 1961- Altered inheritance. Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2019 9780674976719
Standard no.:10.4159/9780674241954
Description
Summary:

A leading bioethicist offers critical insights into the scientific, ethical, and political implications of human genome editing.

Designer babies, once found only in science fiction, have become a reality. We are entering a new era of human evolution with the advent of a technology called CRISPR, which allows scientists to modify our genes. Although CRISPR shows great promise for therapeutic use, it raises thorny ethical, legal, political, and societal concerns because it can be used to make permanent changes to future generations. What if changes intended for the good turn out to have unforeseen negative effects? What if the divide between the haves and have-nots widens as a result? Who decides whether we genetically modify human beings and, if so, how?

Françoise Baylis insists that we must all have a role in determining our future as a species. The scientists who develop and use genome-editing tools should not be the only ones making decisions about future uses of the technology. Such decisions must be the fruit of a broad societal consensus. Baylis argues that it is in our collective interest to assess and steer the development and implementation of biomedical technologies. Members of the public with different interests and diverse perspectives must be among the decision makers; only in this way can we ensure that societal concerns are taken into account and that responsible decisions are made. We must be engaged and informed, think critically, and raise our voices as we create our future together.

Sharp, rousing, timely, and thought-provoking, Altered Inheritance is essential reading. The future of humanity is in our hands.

Physical Description:1 online resource (287 pages) : illustrations
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:0674241959
9780674241954
9780674241961
0674241967
9780674976719
0674976711