STAT+: Scientific societies call for a moratorium on using CRISPR to create genetically modified children

Leading trade organizations representing the makers of cell and gene therapies are calling for a 10-year international moratorium on the use of CRISPR and other DNA-editing tools to create genetically modified children, according to a draft of the declaration provided to STAT. 

The move — coming more than seven years after Chinese researcher He Jiankui announced the birth of the world’s first CRISPR babies — is intended to send a clear signal to the global scientific community that attempts to alter the genomes of eggs, sperm, or embryos — known as the germline — destined for live births remain unacceptable at this time. 

The statement has no legal or regulatory force, but should offer guidance as countries decide whether or how to regulate germline and other genome editing.

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