Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) gene editing can offer some benefits to society as it allows DNA to be altered by scientists. However, it is worth considering the other ethical impacts made when this process takes place. A dive can be taken into both perspectives.
One large area in CRISPR gene editing that can be revolutionary is with genetic diseases. Forms of cancer, Huntington’s disease, and other disorders and ailments can potentially be cured using CRISPR gene editing (Fernández, 2022). Additionally, there has been evidence to suggest that it can also assist in the advancements of drug development (CRISPR: The Promise and Controversy, n.d.). This can help speed up the process of drug discovery and distribution to those in need. Lastly, there have been adjustments made in order to decrease the rate at which one develops resistance to antibiotics (CRISPR: The Promise and Controversy, n.d.).
As with any sort of advancement, there are concerns as it continues to develop. One main ethical consideration is in regard to the safety of CRISPR gene editing (Shinwari et al., 2018). Due to it being a more recent development, it is important to enact guidelines for future use. This is most crucial, in my opinion. It is vital with this topic, and any topic, that safety precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all genetic modifications made. Creating safety policies to ensure that everyone has proper consent, awareness, and safety so that CRISPR gene editing can make a positive impact on society.
References:
CRISPR: the promise and controversy. (n.d.). UHN Research. https://www.uhnresearch.ca/news/crispr-promise-and-controversy#:~:text=Firstly%2C%20safety%20is%20a%20major,justice%20and%20equity%20in%20society
Fernández, C. R. (2022). Eight diseases that CRISPR technology could cure. Labiotech.eu. https://www.labiotech.eu/best-biotech/crispr-technology-cure-disease/
Shinwari, Z. K., Tanveer, F., & Khalil, A. T. (2018). Ethical issues regarding CRISPR mediated genome editing. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 103–110. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.026.103