Scientists have developed a way for three people to contribute to the makeup of a baby while the FDA is considering allowing trails to start. The ‘3-parent babies’ procedure would be used to end deadly diseases, or even prevent illnesses such as muscular dystrophy and other respiratory problems.
“These little embryos, these are people born with a disease, they can’t make power. You’re giving them a new battery. That’s a therapy. I think that’s a humane ethical thing to do,” commented Art Caplan, who is the director of medical ethics at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.
On Wednesday, Caplan referenced that the procedure is “not without risks, but it’s treating a disease.” Once the initial procedure is done, the genetic change effects could pass down to future generations.
“Where we get into the sticky part is, what if you get past transplanting batteries and start to say, ‘While we’re at it, why don’t we make you taller, stronger, faster or smarter?’ “said Caplan.
The director of the New York Stem Cell Foundation, who helped to develop the technique along with Columbia University researchers, explained that the involvement in existing genes has not been a part of their research.
“There is no genetic engineering. It isn’t a slippery slope. It’s a way to allow these families to have healthy children,” Solomon continued. “What we’re doing is, without at all changing the DNA of the mother, just allowing it to grow in an environment that isn’t sick.”
The hearing for the trails of the ‘3 parent babies’ ended on Wednesday with no decision on if this trail period should start. The main concern of the trail is the monitoring of test, who would oversee the trials, and the controls within the scope of testing.
“The big issue over the next 5 to 10 years is going to become how far do we go in pursuit of the perfect baby,” said Caplan. “Do I think we’re going down that road? Yes. Does it creep me out? Yes. Are you going to be able to draw a clear line? I don’t think so,” said Caplan.
