CRISPR and the Ethics of Genetic Editing: Between Hope and Danger

In the 21st century, humanity has found itself on the threshold of possibilities that once belonged to the realm of science fiction. If the main symbol of scientific progress in the 20th century was atomic energy, then in the 21st century it is genetic technology — and above all, genome editing.

Since the emergence of the CRISPR-Cas9 method in 2012, the world of science has changed dramatically. Scientists have gained a tool capable of precisely altering the DNA of living organisms, including humans. The ability to correct mutations, treat hereditary diseases, and increase resistance to viruses has sparked not only excitement but also profound ethical reflection.

Gene editing is more than just a technology — it is a challenge to our understanding of the limits of science, responsibility, and what it means to be human.

The History and Principles of CRISPR

The CRISPR-Cas9 system was discovered while studying bacteria that use this mechanism to protect themselves from viruses. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) consists of segments of bacterial DNA containing short repeating sequences, between which are embedded fragments of viral genetic material.

When a virus attacks the bacterium again, the enzyme Cas9, using this “genetic memory,” identifies and cuts the viral DNA. Scientists adapted this natural mechanism for use as a genome editing tool in virtually any organism — from plants to humans.

Simply put, CRISPR allows researchers to cut, replace, or insert genes with remarkable precision. This makes the technology cheaper, faster, and more efficient than previous methods of genetic engineering.

Possibilities and Achievements

Genome editing opens up enormous prospects — in medicine, agriculture, ecology, and even industry.

In Medicine

• Treatment of hereditary diseases. Clinical trials are already underway for therapies targeting sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and other genetic disorders.

• Fighting cancer. Researchers are attempting to modify immune cells to help them recognize and destroy tumors more effectively.

• Preventing viral infections. Experiments are being conducted to use CRISPR in combating HIV, hepatitis, and even coronaviruses.

In Agriculture

• Creating crops resistant to drought, pests, and disease.

• Increasing the nutritional value of food.

• Reducing dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

In Ecology

• The possibility of controlling populations of disease-carrying insects, such as malaria mosquitoes.

• Restoring endangered species through editing the DNA of closely related organisms.

These successes are inspiring, yet they also raise disturbing questions: does humanity have the right to intervene so deeply in nature — and in its own evolution?

The Ethics of Genetic Editing: Key Dilemmas

1. Where is the line between treatment and enhancement?

Most researchers agree that using CRISPR to treat diseases is ethically justified. But another question arises: if we can “fix” a disease, why not “improve” a healthy person?

Gene editing could make future children:

• taller or stronger,

• smarter or more stress-resistant,

• with specific eye or skin colors.

Thus arises the phenomenon of “designer babies” — people with predetermined traits. From an ethical standpoint, this opens the door to a new form of inequality: biological inequality.

2. Who bears responsibility for the consequences?

Changes made to human DNA can be inherited. A single mistake by one generation of scientists could affect countless generations to come.

There is no guarantee that interventions will not cause unforeseen mutations or side effects that appear decades later. For this reason, international organizations — including the WHO and UNESCO — call for strict regulation of research in this field.

3. The problem of consent and access

Another ethical dilemma concerns consent. How can we obtain consent from a future child for changes made to their DNA?

Moreover, such technologies are likely to be available only to the wealthy, potentially widening the gap between the “genetic elite” and everyone else.

Table. Arguments For and Against the Use of CRISPR in Humans

The First Precedent: The CRISPR Babies

In 2018, Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui announced that he had helped bring to birth the world’s first genetically modified children — twin girls with an altered CCR5 gene that made them resistant to HIV.

The news shocked the global scientific community. He Jiankui was later convicted of violating ethical standards, and China introduced stricter regulations for genetic research.

This case marked a turning point: humanity realized that the technology had already moved beyond the laboratory and urgently required oversight.

International Regulation and Ethical Principles

Many countries are now developing laws that restrict or outright prohibit gene editing in humans.

Key international principles include:

• A ban on editing germline cells (if changes can be inherited).

• A requirement for research transparency and independent ethical review.

• Informed consent and protection of participants’ rights.

• Public discussion of the social consequences of applying these technologies.

For example, in the United States, editing human embryos for implantation is banned at the federal level. In the United Kingdom, such research is permitted only in tightly controlled laboratory settings, without allowing the birth of genetically modified children.

Technology and Philosophy: Who Are We After CRISPR?

Genetic editing challenges the very definition of what it means to be human.
If we can alter what was once considered “natural,” does that mean we cease to be natural beings?

Philosophers note that genetic editing is not only a scientific but also a cultural act. It reflects humanity’s desire for control over its destiny — and its fear of vulnerability.

There is concern that in the pursuit of “perfection,” society might lose sight of the value of uniqueness and diversity.

The Danger of Misconceptions

Another problem lies in misinformation and sensationalism surrounding CRISPR. The media often spread exaggerated or false claims, distorting public understanding of the technology.

For instance, scientists are sometimes misquoted as saying things like “we can create the perfect human,” when in fact no serious geneticist has made such claims. These distortions erode trust in science and fuel public anxiety.

Therefore, it is vital not only to advance the technology but also to promote scientific literacy — helping people understand that CRISPR is not magic but a tool that must be used with caution and responsibility.

Balancing Progress and Morality

The history of science teaches that every great discovery brings both benefit and danger. The discovery of electricity brought light and power but also weapons. Mastering the atom gave humanity energy — and the potential for catastrophe.

Gene editing is yet another test of civilization’s maturity. It demands not only knowledge but also wisdom.

Progress is inevitable — but ethics is what makes progress human. Without ethical boundaries, even the most brilliant discoveries can lead to disaster.

Conclusion

Genome editing is an extraordinarily powerful tool that can change the fate of humanity. It carries immense potential to save lives — but also the danger of undermining the moral and biological foundations of human existence.

Scientists, policymakers, and society must work together to set reasonable limits while allowing science to advance responsibly.

As one of the pioneers of CRISPR, Jennifer Doudna, who received the Nobel Prize for her work, said:

“We have discovered how to rewrite the code of life. Now we must decide how we will use it.”

The answer to that question will become one of the defining ethical dilemmas of the 21st century.

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