Abstract
The development of the genome editing system called CRISPR–Cas9 has opened a huge debate on the possibility of modifying the human germline. But the types of changes that could and/or ought to be made have not been discussed. To cast some light on this debate, I will describe the story of the CRISPR–Cas9 system. Then, I will briefly review the projects for modification of the human species that were discussed by biologists throughout the twentieth century. Lastly, I will show that for plenty of reasons, both scientific and societal, germline modification is no longer a priority for our societies.
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I am indebted to David Marsh for his critical reading of the manuscript.
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Morange, M. Human germline editing: a historical perspective. HPLS 39, 34 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40656-017-0161-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40656-017-0161-2