Ethics and Economics of Genome Editing

Abstract

Somatic and germline modifications are the two types of genetic modifications that can be performed on human cells. Somatic modifications have earned ethical approval and are being implemented in healthcare as gene therapy, treating conditions such as sickle cell disease. Germline modifications have not earned the same approval and are highly regulated in the research sector of some countries with multiple countries banning the modification type altogether. Germline editing is criticized for being unsafe, not allowing patients to give informed consent, and promoting ableism. Moreover, if germline editing procedures become available but are not affordable for everyone, having a genetic disease could become an indication of a lower financial status. Regardless, the modification type can offer individuals with incurable genetic diseases a way to eliminate the suffering their future generations may endure. Consistent regulation of germline editing between countries, including outlining the difference between disease treatment and trait enhancement, is critical to avoid the abuse of the treatment through jurisdictional arbitrage. In this review, countries were analyzed based on their number of common monogenic diseases of high occurrence and their GDP per capita to determine which nations may become centers of germline editing exploitation for clinical testing and economic beneficiaries of performing germline editing procedures.