A Right to be Born 'As Is'

Abstract

The prospect of gene editing use for future populations may not be imminent, but the permissible use is gathering speed. Advanced understanding of the human genome, gene editing tools, and the procedures for potentially life-changing applications are challenging prevailing norms. As a result, our obligations towards future generations may be augmented by advances in biomedicine. However, some opponents to germline editing believe the problem lays wider than only the benefits that could arise from editing. A composite of the opposing views of Sandel (2007), Fukuyama (2002), and Habermas (2003) suggest that editing creates a seismic sinkhole in society where vanity takes over, we abuse the natural order, and create a new breed of humans who lack basic human attributes like being self-critical. A way to remedy this problem is to develop a right to be born ‘as is’. The right to be born ‘as is’ suggests that humanity is served through the genes and an untampered gene from conception must be protected for the needs of human societies, species, and the rights of the individual. I argue that there is an intuitive basis for this type of right but that it struggles on the weight of other rights and the interests of future societies. Aspects of the right could be salvaged but the prospect that future generations be edited for their protection must remain open as an option for present generations.