Attitudes of Members of Genetics Professional Societies Toward Human Gene Editing

CRISPR J. 2019 Oct;2(5):331-339. doi: 10.1089/crispr.2019.0020.

Abstract

Gene-editing technologies have improved in ease, efficiency, and precision. Although discussions are occurring around acceptable uses of human gene editing, limited data exist on the views of genetics-trained individuals. In 2017, we distributed an anonymous online survey to assess the attitudes of members of genetics professional societies toward gene editing (N = 500). Virtually all respondents were supportive of somatic editing in basic-science (99.2%) and clinical (87.4%) research on nonreproductive human cells. Only 57.2% were supportive of germline-editing basic-science research; 31.9% supported the transfer of viable embryos to humans for clinical research. While most favored future therapeutic uses of somatic (96.6%) and germline (77.8%) editing, there was little support for enhancement in somatic (13.0%) or germline (8.6%) cells. This study describes attitudes toward gene editing from genetics professionals worldwide and contributes to ongoing discourse and policy guidance in this domain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Female
  • Gene Editing / ethics*
  • Germ Cells
  • Health Occupations / ethics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Societies
  • Stakeholder Participation / psychology