Journal article
Germline Gene Editing and the Precautionary Principle
Julian J Koplin, Christopher Gyngell, Julian Savulescu
Bioethics | Wiley | Published : 2020
DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12609
Abstract
The precautionary principle aims to influence decision‐making in contexts where some activity poses uncertain but potentially grave threats. This perfectly describes the controversy surrounding germline gene editing. This article considers whether the precautionary principle should influence how we weigh the risks and benefits of human germline interventions, focusing especially on the possible threats to the health of future generations. We distinguish between several existing forms of the precautionary principle, assess their plausibility and consider their implications for the ethics of germline modification. We also offer a novel form of the precautionary principle: the sufficientarian p..
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Awarded by Wellcome Trust
Funding Acknowledgements
JK, CG and JS are funded through their involvement with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and received funding from the Victorian State Government through the Operational Infrastructure Support Program. JS received funding through the Wellcome Trust (WT203132/Z/16/Z).