Creating GM babies against medical ethics

Chinese Researcher He Jiankui's claim to have used the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the CCR5 gene of twin female embryos has been met with shock and outrage across the world of science.

The reason: He flouted global conventions and ignored the risks and ethics in modifying a human gene before birth. His "experiment" even prompted the Chinese government agencies to launch an investigation into his work.

Since germline genome editing occurs in a germ cell or embryo the changes could also potentially be passed on, which could lead to risky consequences, such as off-target mutation, unintended changes in targeted cells, development of cancer and other side effects, genomic editing of human embryos - even for therapeutic purposes - should be completely suspended until thorough research proves it is safe for humans and their future generations. Otherwise, it would constitute a tremendously risky human experiment.