Would you alter your child's genes if it meant lower risk of psychiatric disorders?
In the largest-ever study of its kind, researchers identified more than 100 genetic variants that affect the risk for more than one mental health condition.
Last year, scientists edited the genes of babies to make them HIV resistant (the result of this "experiment" is still unknown). This led to outcries and stricter regulations.
Many new companies are using the gene editing technology in other industries. It's not impossible that in the future, editing your baby's genes will be like today's medical tourism.
It's possible that in the future, a person could get an embryo edited so that the baby has a lower risk of psychiatric disorders.
What do you think about this? Should we reduce the personal and societal cost of psychiatric disorders when possible as new technologies become available?
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../12/191212142634.htm
Personally, I am apprehensive to start looking to CRISPR as a method for reducing mental illnesses (and other illnesses) as there is a significant equity concern with gene editing (affordability, accessibility, etc). I also wonder if the consequences of gene editing would be an increase of stigma for those who do develop psychiatric disorders.
At this time I am more keen on enhancing our work in health promotion and utilizing ACE study information to intervene early where possible.
Simon, thanks for asking this question. I really had to reflect deeply on this one.
As a professional, I'm not yet ready to make a decision on gene editing for something that can influence one's personality. For mental illness, I understand the potential for one individual however until we have strong evidence on the long-term effectiveness of the procedures and solid ethical frameworks guiding this work , I wonder about the impacts (social, economic, etc) on society.
That being said, having a child with developmental/psychological differences is challenging, and we can only try to imagine the distress they experience. If I were to start over knowing what I know now, I can't say I wouldn't look at the state of the evidence and consider it.