Base editing in human embryos fixes some mutations and creates others (and creates other problems) article in reply Why is Human Heritable Genome Editing controversial? 1) The science is not ready Embryo editing still has major technical problems, including mosaicism, unintended edits, and uncertainty about long-term effects. 2) The risk is borne by a future person who cannot consent. The edited child has no say in the intervention, and the change may be passed to future generations. 3) There are often safer alternatives. For many inherited diseases, IVF plus preimplantation genetic testing can avoid disease without editing embryos. 4) It creates a pathway from disease prevention to enhancement. The same tools used to prevent disease could be redirected toward traits such as height, cognition, appearance, or perceived “optimization.” h/t @UrnovFyodor for calling the ultrawealthy advocates of HHGE "baby Improvers" 5) It risks privatized eugenics. If genetic “improvement” becomes a service for the wealthy, it could deepen inequality and normalize the idea that some genomes are preferable to others. 6) Governance is weak and jurisdiction-shopping is likely. Even where embryo editing is restricted or banned, private actors may seek permissive jurisdictions, weak oversight, or opaque pathways to proceed. #geneediting #ethics #bioethics