This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/playing-god/
2025 | Week of September 1 | Radio Transcript #1634
Science is once again working on the premise that if it can do something, it has some kind of moral imperative requiring that it must do it. As researchers explore new gene-editing technologies, once again, the world of reproductive technology poses serious ethical questions.
Several recently founded companies are forging the way supposedly forward in gene-editing technology and simultaneously are revealing serious ethical problems in their methodology and long-term goals. These companies are experimenting with human germline gene therapy (also known as heritable gene editing), a new technology that genetically modifies human embryos. Researchers hope that this technology will allow scientists to edit the DNA of unborn children if genetic mutations or undesirable physical characteristics are detected. These genetic changes would not only affect the embryo but would be passed on to his or her offspring.
But germline gene editing may cause more harm than good. Scientific studies have demonstrated that at least some of the technologies used for germline gene editing can lead to extensive mutations, genetic damage, unwanted loss of entire chromosomes, and cancer.[i]
Current U.S. law restricts the use of federal funds for gene editing experimentation, but does not ban the use of private funds for editing human embryos so long as the modified embryos are not placed into a body for reproduction.
One private company that is exploring gene-editing technology is the Manhattan Project, chillingly named after the research project that developed the first atomic bomb. According to its website, the Manhattan Project’s mission is to eradicate inherited diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sickle Cell Anemia. While their goal to eliminate suffering caused by disease may be admirable, their research practices clearly break ethical boundaries.
The Manhattan Project proudly follows U.S. regulations, but they tragically experiment on tiny human lives which they then discard. They try to cover up this waste of human life by insinuating that these embryos are too tiny to hold inherent value. Their website claims, quote “An early human embryo is not a fetus or a developing baby in a womb. This research happens at a microscopic level, just days after fertilization and long before a pregnancy could ever be established.” end quote.[ii] This claim disregards the scientific truth that life begins at fertilization[iii] and the Biblical truth that all life from the moment of conception holds immeasurable value. The size of a human life does not determine its value. These tiny humans should not be treated like lab rats and be destroyed for the sake of science.
Another company’s long-term goals pose even more serious ethical dilemmas. Bootstrap Bio plans not only to prevent diseases but also to enhance desirable features. Bootstrap Bio began by exploring the possibilities of using gene editing to make adults smarter but shifted its focus to gene-editing embryos because quote “superbabies might be a faster route” end quote.[iv] This company is seeking to open the door to an era of designer babies, giving parents the opportunity to pick and choose their babies’ physical features and IQ.
Critics raise serious questions.
This May, an international group of scientific societies called for a 10-year moratorium on heritable gene editing. Tim Hunt, co-author of this call and chief executive officer at the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, said, quote “Human heritable gene editing is clearly a terrible solution in search of a problem. If you make a mistake, the mistake passes onto all future generations. So that’s a pretty big ethical roll of the dice.” end quote.[v]
Other critics argue that germline gene editing is simply a modern version of eugenics.
The stakes are simply too high. From wasting human life in research to ushering in a new era of eugenics, germline gene editing poses many serious problems. Once again, man is trying to usurp God’s role as Creator. Psalm 100:3 says, “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.” As always, man playing the part of God causes more harm than good. While ethical efforts to reduce human suffering should be applauded, man should never attempt to replace God as the Creator and designer of each human life.
For Wisconsin Family Council, this is Julaine Appling reminding you that God, through the prophet Hosea, said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Haylee Lawver