Aug 8, 2025
In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui shocked the world when he secretly engineered the birth of the first gene-edited babies. The revelation drew global condemnation as reckless and unethical, with critics citing the newness of the technology and the unknown risks involved. China responded by sentencing He to three years in prison for violating medical regulations. Today, while mainstream scientific bodies cautiously support basic research into gene-editing for human reproduction, they continue to insist that creating more genetically modified children should remain strictly prohibited—at least for now.
Yet momentum is building in other circles. Silicon Valley venture capitalists, East Coast entrepreneurs, futurists, and pronatalists—concerned that declining birth rates threaten humanity’s future—are eager to push the boundaries of the technology. Their interest is fueled by the belief that gene-editing could enhance children’s health, intelligence, and even physical appearance. As R. Alta Charo, University of Wisconsin professor emerita and bioethicist, explains, this movement is powered by individuals who not only embrace cutting-edge science but also have the resources and boldness to attempt what many still consider ethically untouchable.
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SOURCE: NPR