Breaking the Wall to Inclusive Deliberation

How to expand discussion on the ethics of human genome editing

While the process of gene editing is becoming more and more commonplace, editing the human genome raises as yet unresolved questions about the dignity and integrity of human life. This scientific and technological frontier is also a moral frontier, with implications for all life on the planet.

Until now, the discourse on the ethics of genome editing has been dominated by scientists, who claim authority because only they understand what can be done with current knowledge. Sheila Jasanoff, the Pforzheimer Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Harvard Kennedy School, has pioneered an effort to make the life sciences and technologies more accountable to human values and purposes.

At Falling Walls, Jasanoff discusses how the recently established Global Observatory for Genome Editing seeks to restore the principle of democratic governance by including more diverse voices in the discourse around the ethics of genome editing and other emerging biotechnologies.