CRISPR people The science and ethics of editing humans

This text provides a detailed overview of the events and personalities surrounding the first children born after undergoing heritable human genome editing as embryos and a detailed analysis of the legal and ethical ramifications of CRISPR technology. Greely (Stanford Univ.) draws on his personal relationships and extensive legal and bioethics expertise to present a comprehensive narrative chronicling a notable lapse of ethical judgement and the criminal application of an immature medical technology. Introductory chapters describe work by Dr. He Jiankui, who in 2018 edited the CCR5 gene in twin girls to hypothetically "immunize" them against HIV. Greely then presents a well-researched history, including clear and concise examples framing the socially responsible advancement of scientific inquiry, accompanied by scathing critical analysis of pertinent legal and ethical policies that He's research ignored. Finally, Greely explores the scientific and ethical questions facing CRISPR technology and its inevitable use in medicine. Throughout, he employs a personal narration, storytelling style, laced with humorous quips, analogies, and informative biographies of participants. He deliberately builds his scientific, legal, and ethical arguments to inform novice and advanced readers from various disciplines and includes generous supporting citations. The result is a highly accessible text appropriate for all interested readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Dale L. Beach, Longwood University