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Genetic engineering creates first 'cancer free' baby
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How far is too far when it comes to genetic engineering? The question became a lot more relevant this morning, when it was announced that the world's first "cancer free" baby was born in England. A spokesman for the University College London told CNN that the child was tested as an embryo for the BRCA-1 gene, which has been linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
People with the BRCA-1 gene have been found to have a 50-80% chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer in their lifetimes. The child may still develop non-genetic forms of cancer, however.
"The parents will have been spared the risk of inflicting this disease on their daughter. The lasting legacy is the eradication of the transmission of this form of cancer that has blighted these families for generations," said Paul Serhal, a consultant at University College London Hospital and Medical Director of the Assisted Conception Unit.
Choosing a "cancer free" embryo does not sit well with everyone. Josephine Quintavalle, co-founder of Comment on Reproductive Ethics, is upset that the three day old embryos are destroyed if they are found to be carrying a genetic deficiency. She stated, "This is simply a mechanism for eliminating the birth of anybody (prone to) the disease. It is basically a search-and-kill mechanism." Comment on Reproductive Ethics deals with ethical dilemmas related to reproduction.
On the other side is Peter Braude, a top expert on genetic testing of embryos in England. He argues that discarding three day old embryos that have not been implanted will prevent abortions. "There has always been a vociferous group in opposition," he said. But "there are people who can benefit and I think they should be allowed to do so."
Of course, this raises all sorts of ethical dilemmas. Is it ok to choose embryos because they have been screened for a cancer gene? What about choosing an embryo based on gender? If a gene can be found for homosexuality, is it ok to screen for that? Already, there is a controversy over deaf and dwarf parents choosing embryos that have the same genetic defects they do, so their children will also be deaf or dwarves.
What do you think? Where is the line?
To read "'Cancer-free' baby born in London" on CNN, click here
To read "Is it ethical to create deaf or dwarf children?" click here
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