China jails scientist who gene-edited babies

If you can edit peoples genes so that they cannot contract certain diseases. Is that really unethical? I think a discussion needs to happen here.

Genetic editing is fraught with potential unintended consequences. While we might be able to identify genes associated with traits, it doesn’t mean they control that trait.

In fact, single genes rarely control a trait. There are multiple genes that interact to express a given phenotype. More importantly, if we understand that a given gene is involved in producing a given phenotype, we might not understand that this same gene might be involved in other traits ( pleiotropy).

While we might be able to identify and correct a single defect involved in producing given disease, we are a LONG way from understanding all the interactions of genes that would allow safe genetic engineering of a human being -i.e. engineering blue eyes and blonde hair creates a new, unintended genetic disease.

Genetic editing is fraught with potential unintended consequences. While we might be able to identify genes associated with traits, it doesn’t mean they control that trait.

True. But how about when we know someone is carrying a defective gene - say the parents have a high chance of passing on a debilitating illness due to one of them being a carrier. Is it acceptable to correct this faulty gene? I think it is and it is without the unintended consequences that you suggest.

This is a far cry from genetically engineering a more intelligent or taller child, for example.

And it is also not a "slippery slope".

I wouldn't put it beyond the Chinese government to have supported his work behind the scenes. "Super soldiers! Yes please!"... until the superior humans turn against their inferior engineers to keep themselves "pure".

Have movies taught humanity nothing!??!

Is it unethical to genetically engineer out the genetic factors that contributes to aggressive or homocidal tendencies? If you can engineer out such factors out for a couple generations or so, imagine the impact it would have on the crime rate, especially murders.

Is it acceptable to correct this faulty gene?

I'd say "no" if we don't fully know whether the gene is being "corrected" or just altered in some fashion.