Are we ready to genetically modify a human embryo? Or is it too late to ask?

Governing with public engagement: an anticipatory approach to human genome editing

In response to calls for public engagement on human genome editing (HGE), which intensified after the 2018 He Jiankui scandal that resulted in the implantation of genetically modified embryos, we detail an anticipatory approach to the governance of HGE. By soliciting multidisciplinary experts' input on the drivers and uncertainties of HGE development, we developed a set of plausible future scenarios to ascertain publics values-specifically, their hopes and concerns regarding the novel technology and its applications. In turn, we gathered a subset of multidisciplinary experts to propose governance recommendations for HGE that incorporate identified publics' values. These recommendations include: (1) continued participatory public engagement; (2) international harmonization and transparency of multiple governance levers such as professional and scientific societies, funders, and regulators; and (3) development of a formal whistleblower framework.

National human embryo and embryoid research policies: a survey of 22 top research-intensive countries

Research using human embryos and embryoids has expanded in recent years due to technological advances. Surveying laws and guidelines among the top research and development (R&D) investing nations highlights existing barriers to expanding this area of research. Of the 22 nations surveyed, we found 12 countries with a 14-day limit, one with a seven-day limit, five with prohibitions and four without national laws or guidelines that limit or prohibit human embryo research. Sixteen national laws or guidelines define an embryo or related entities, with five nations limiting human embryoid research. Other laws are ambiguous in relation to embryoid research, leave unanswered questions regarding what research is permitted or restricted and need additional clarity for researchers.

Reexamining the Ethics of Human Germline Editing in the Wake of Scandal

In November 2018, the announcement that genetically edited human embryos had been used for reproductive purposes caused international uproar; many observers argued that editing the human germline was unethical, particularly given the early stage of the science and the absence of appropriate oversight. We provide an overview of the implications of these events, focusing on the relevant ethical considerations for physicians addressing patient questions and concerns. The editing of the human germline for reproductive purposes should be understood against an historic backdrop of clinical research in assisted reproduction, as well as other exemplars of translational investigation. An important question raised by our growing capacity to genetically alter human embryos is how to understand the implicit social contract between science and society. To ensure that translational research continues to enjoy the historic trust placed in scientists and research organizations, it is critical that scientific and health care institutions proactively engage governments, patient advocacy organizations, and the general public in the formation of policies that guide gene editing.

Fostering a prevention mindset for responsible gene editing

In this special issue, we solicited three commentators to discuss issues specific to the responsible conduct of research as it relates to the birth of gene-edited children. We explore the ethics of prevention and its ties to the responsible conduct of gene-editing research to introduce three commentaries addressing: (1) the relevance of cultural and regulatory context in China, (2) how to actualize calls for greater public engagement, and (3) where we might improve graduate education of genomic researchers.