In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit human embryos and the first genetically altered babies were produced. With the gene editing tool, Jiankui had altered the DNA of a single-celled embryo to be resistant to HIV infection. Although, the resulting twin girls’ condition has not been able to be independently verified and it is unknown whether or not he was successful. Jiankui was condemned in the scientific community for his reckless experimentation on human embryos and subsequently imprisoned for three years by the Chinese government for violating medical regulations and ethical codes.
The revelation sparked controversy over both the ethical and social implications of applying this technology in the human genome. Questions regarding the motivations and objectives of using CRISPR have emerged which are still under debate today. Eight years later, the subject has been broached again by private companies and investors with plans to revitalize, with concessions that the technology would only be used for genetic disease prevention. However, there is a large pushback on altering the human genome for fear of irreversible effects and the shift towards eugenics. It is currently prohibited to edit the genes of human embryos in the U.S..
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