Human Genome Editing

China suspended a scientist in November 2018 for engaging in unethical behavior by creating genetically edited embryos. This article discusses the ethical concerns and international response to the issue.

Running head: HUMAN GENOME EDITING
Human Genome Editing
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

HUMAN GENOME EDITING 2
Human Genome Editing
China suspended a scientist in November 2018 for engaging in unethical behaviour.
The scientist in question was Mr He Jiankui. Jiankui claimed to be the first person on the
globe to create the first genetically edited embryos. Although genetic engineering species has
been applied to various plants and animal species, applying it to human beings may amount
to violating medical ethics (Dunn and Hope, 2018). Every human being on earth has a right to
be respected and to lead a dignified life. Therefore, it is highly unethical for a scientist to
carry out unmonitored experiments on human embryos. Jiankui said that he had edited the
genes of an embryo and implanted it in the womb of a woman who gave birth to twin girls in
November 2018. When asked about how he felt, he claimed that he was very proud of what
he had done. Xu Nanping, the then China’s vice minister for science and technology said that
the actions of Jiankui were both morally and ethically unacceptable to the academic
community. In addition to violating academic ethics, he also violated the laws of China. Due
to this, due process would be followed to sue the scientist.
The international community of scientists also aired their voice on the issue. They
said that the Jiankui’s actions were unethical and unacceptable. This is because there are
serious questions that are yet to be answered concerning embryo editing (Wee, 2018). In such
a matter, it was appropriate for Jiankui to carry out his research in a transparent manner. This
would have ensured that his experiments are monitored so that technology is not misused in
the process. Editing human embryo when there is no adequate research concerning the same
amounts to disrespect to the human person. In addition, he failed to observe the principles of
academic integrity. A group of 122 scientists from around the world referred to his actions as
‘crazy’ and argued that he had dealt Chinese science a huge negative blow.

HUMAN GENOME EDITING 3
In addition to engaging in the illegal and unethical practice, Jiankui did not inform his
university in China about his activities. He did the editing and implantation silently. At first,
he funded the endeavour using his own finances. Later, he used funds from the University. It
is unethical for an individual to use University funds in such an endeavour. He was
questioned by a team of experts concerning the alleged second implantation. He claimed that
the second edited embryo was implanted in a woman whom he confirmed pregnant by a
hormone test. The team of experts enquired whether the woman had a chemical pregnancy.
Jiankui said yes. Upon further interrogation, the team of experts realized that Jiankui may not
be aware what is meant by chemical pregnancy. There was a conference that was organized
in China to give Jiankui a platform to explain his findings. The one-day conference was not
enough for him to present his findings and answer all questions. The organisers of the
conference decided not to give him another day for it would appear as if they were supporting
him.

HUMAN GENOME EDITING 4
References
Dunn, M., & Hope, T. (2018). Medical ethics: a very short introduction. London: Oxford
University Press.
Wee, S. (2018, November 29). China Halts Work by Scientist Who Says He Edited Babies'
Genes. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/29/science/gene-editing-
babies-china.html