A Study on the Ethics and Future of CRISPR Gene Editing in Medicine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n7.042Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas9, Gene Editing Ethics, Somatic vs Germline Editing, Genetic MedicineAbstract
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing represents a paradigm shift in medical science, offering unprecedented potential to precisely alter the human genome. This study examines the dual landscape of CRISPR technology, analyzing its transformative therapeutic applications alongside the complex ethical dilemmas it generates. The research investigates CRISPR's capacity to cure genetic disorders, develop advanced cancer therapies, and combat infectious diseases through somatic cell editing, while critically addressing the profound concerns surrounding heritable germline modifications. Key ethical considerations include the therapeutic-enhancement distinction, safety implications of off-target effects, consent for future generations, and justice in access to genetic technologies. The study highlights the crucial differentiation between somatic and germline interventions, using international regulatory responses and the He Jiankui case as critical reference points. Findings emphasize that responsible integration of CRISPR into medical practice requires robust regulatory frameworks, ongoing scientific refinement, and inclusive public discourse. The conclusion underscores that navigating the future of gene editing demands balancing scientific innovation with ethical responsibility to ensure equitable and morally defensible applications in healthcare.
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