MAY 2019. DISCOVER 33in vitro fertilization (IVF) using what’s called pre-implantation
genetic diagnosis (PGD). During PGD, doctors examine each
embryo created in vitro and discard the ones that carry the
disease.
If gene repair can replace PGD, that process wouldn’t have
to happen, which could shorten stressful IVF treatments.
Although human embryos are created and subsequently
discarded in this research process, the team hopes that in the
long run, fewer embryos will be destroyed.WHAT’S IN STORE
Mitalipov thinks we won’t see a legitimate gene-repaired human
baby for up to a decade, though He Jiankui already demon-
strated that someone might move forward with the technique,
with or without scientific vetting and adequate oversight.
Is this a slippery slope into “designer babies?” Not really,
says Amato. Right now, she says, scientists don’t even know the
complex genetic underpinnings behind desirable traits, such
as intelligence or athletic ability. “It’s not technically feasible,”
she says, “but some would say that’s a cop-out. Maybe one day
we’ll know those genes.”
“I think [designer babies are] way far off,” says Amato — but
not so distant that researchers shouldn’t be thinking about
taking steps now to regulate the technology that could create
them. “I definitely think [it’s] something we should be thinking
about and aware of.”^ DAnna Groves is an assistant editor at Discover.Mitalipov believes it’s irresponsible
not to continue to study and test the
embryo repair techniques coming
out of the lab. That’s because once
research is published, the ideas are
out there, with instructions.