August 3, 2017

expert reaction to joint policy statement on human germline genome editing

Publishing in The American Journal of Human Genetics, 11 organisations issued a joint policy statement on human germline genome editing.

Prof. Frances Flinter, Consultant in Clinical Genetics, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The statement is timely and well balanced.  There are so many uncertainties and potentially serious risks that it would be extremely irresponsible to embark on any form of germline genome editing that results in a human pregnancy at present.  Further research, however, performed in a strictly regulated environment, as in the UK, may yield useful information about potential clinical applications.”

* ‘Human Germline Genome Editing’ by Kelly E. Ormond et al. published in The American Journal of Human Genetics on Thursday 3 August 2017. 

Declared interests

Prof. Frances Flinter: “No conflicts of interest to declare.”