The ability to change both our somatic and germ-line genomes is a very powerful tool for the human race. With this powerful tool also comes a lot of responsibility and questions on when it is acceptable to use and what is considered good or bad when gene editing. Gene therapy can definitely be abused and be dangerous if this power to change genomes is put into the wrong hands. I can see many different ways in which genome editing could go wrong and become harmful/abused. When genome editing was first introduced, I don’t think anyone really thought it would get to where it is now. It has already brought up so many ethical questions regarding natural selection, consent, disease treatment and more. I can imagine nations using genome editing to try to intentionally develop a virus/disease for warfare. Just like any new treatment such as a drug or method, there must be trials and tests carried out in order to confirm that is is safe and effective. Unfortunately, many companies are rushed due to patent applications and can lead to complications and harmful outcomes when testing. Additionally, it is difficult to fully test and know exactly what the effects of genome editing are. It seems like it would be difficult to find volunteers willing to be involved in these tests and it would be very expensive to carry out this research. I think with time, though, scientsists will be figure out ways to determine the effects of genome editing in order to make gene therapy as safe and effective as possible.
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