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Will South Africa become first country to accept controversial form of human genome editing?

Scientists raise the alarm following updated research ethics guidelines on heritable human genome editing.

Scientists say this could put the nation one step closer to accepting the controversial technique — which involves introducing genetic changes to sperm, eggs or embryos, such that the modifications will be passed down through successive generations. “I know of no other country that explicitly permits this type of research and can’t understand why South Africa would want to be the first to do so,” adds Baylis, who is also a member of the World Health Organization’s advisory committee on developing global standards for governance and oversight of human genome editing. The updated text says that heritable human genome editing must have a “clear and compelling scientific and medical rationale, focusing on the prevention of serious genetic disorders and immunity against serious diseases”, be transparent, obtain informed consent from all parties and have stringent ethical oversight.

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