As gene editing technologies like CRISPR advance at an unprecedented pace, the ethical implications of altering the human genome have become a focal point of global debate in 2024.
“The power to edit the human genome brings with it profound ethical challenges that society must address with care and foresight.”
Jennifer Doudna, CRISPR Pioneer
Gene editing, once the domain of speculative fiction, is now a reality that offers tremendous potential for curing genetic diseases and enhancing human abilities. However, as we enter 2024, the ethical challenges of this technology are becoming increasingly apparent. CRISPR and other gene-editing tools allow for precise modifications to the human genome, raising questions about where we should draw the line between therapy and enhancement, between curing disease and “designing” the next generation. The potential for unintended consequences, such as off-target effects or the creation of genetic inequality, adds urgency to the need for robust ethical guidelines and international oversight. 
Therapeutic potential:
- Gene editing’s promise for curing diseases.
Ethical boundaries:
- Differentiating between therapy and enhancement.
Global debate:
- The necessity for international ethical guidelines.
The ethical boundaries of gene editing in 2024 remain a contentious global debate.
