National Academy of Sciences endorses embryonic engineering

In 2017, the National Academy of Sciences published a report on the ethical and scientific issues of embryonic engineering. The report concluded that embryonic engineering is a promising new technology with the potential to treat a wide range of diseases and disabilities. However, the report also raised a number of ethical concerns, including the potential for abuse and the possibility that embryonic engineering could be used to create “designer babies.”

Despite these concerns, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that embryonic engineering should be pursued cautiously, with careful oversight and regulation. The report recommended that the U.S. government establish a national commission to oversee the development and use of embryonic engineering.

The National Academy of Sciences’ endorsement of embryonic engineering is a significant development. It suggests that the scientific community is increasingly supportive of this new technology. However, the report also highlights the need for careful oversight and regulation to ensure that embryonic engineering is used for good and not for harm.

Here are some of the ethical concerns raised by embryonic engineering:

The potential for abuse: Embryonic engineering could be used to create “designer babies,” with specific traits that are desired by parents. This could lead to discrimination against people who do not have the desired traits.
The potential for harm: Embryonic engineering is a new technology, and there is a risk that it could be used to harm embryos or fetuses. For example, embryonic engineering could be used to create embryos with genetic defects.
The potential for exploitation: Embryonic engineering could be used to exploit women and their embryos. For example, women could be paid to donate their eggs for use in embryonic engineering research.
The National Academy of Sciences’ report recommends that the U.S. government establish a national commission to oversee the development and use of embryonic engineering. This commission would be responsible for developing ethical guidelines for the use of this technology. The commission would also be responsible for monitoring the safety and efficacy of embryonic engineering research.

The National Academy of Sciences’ endorsement of embryonic engineering is a significant development. It suggests that the scientific community is increasingly supportive of this new technology. However, the report also highlights the need for careful oversight and regulation to ensure that embryonic engineering is used for good and not for harm.