One thing that blows my mind in the “DNA Revolution” by Michael Specter is the fact that scientists have come up with a way to quickly and precisely alter, delete, and rearrange the DNA of nearly any living organism. They have proved this by using CRISPR to rid viruses that prevent pig organs from being transplanted into humans. This could open up a whole new door for people who are on organ donor waiting lists in the near future. The frightening part of this DNA Revolution is where does it all end? Are we as a society going to be able to choose what genes we do and do not want? How would this impact our society in 100 years so, would we have 1 combination of genes that makes someone “perfect” and then have everyone want to look the same?
I believe gene editing should be done on humans in the future, but only to prevent illnesses and diseases from impacting that persons life. We could effectively rid the world of diseases stemming from our genes if this type of technology takes off and who wouldn’t want to live in a world where diseases are a thing of the past. While some may view this as unethical by doing all of this on an embryo, in the bigger picture you’re eliminating a giant source of suffering that comes in the form of disease. So in the end, I would have ti say that it is worth it when someone is looking towards the future.