Human Gene Editing and Its Ethical Questions : Biomedical, Secular, and Islamic Perspectives

In the context of the rapidly advancing field of genetics, human gene editing (HGE) emerged as a form of genetic engineering used to modify an organism's genetic code, with the potential to treat genetic diseases. When HGE is used for therapeutic purposes, it is usually referred to as gene therapy. Regarding gene therapy, a moral divide exists among scientists, philosophers, and theologians based on what type of cells are targeted. Based on the type of cells, somatic gene editing involves transferring a section of DNA to any cell of the body except sperm or egg, and germline gene editing involves transferring sections of DNA to the cells responsible for producing eggs or sperm.

In principle, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect for autonomy are the primary values; the main concern about germline gene editing is its impact on future offspring as it corrects the genes at the embryo level, making it likely irreversible. This raises ethical concerns about the basic right of the unaltered genome and the moral status of the embryo (human dignity) by tampering with God’s creation and producing lineage complications. Overall, scientific advancements and the promise of improved health outcomes are often key points used by the advocates of HGE, but opponents often argue about the purpose of eugenics and its impact on the autonomy of individuals to make informed choices about their genetic makeup. In this thesis, I will explain HGE and its ethical questions from secular and Islamic perspectives. Who is for and who is against HGE, and what approach and mode of reasoning do they use to argue in support of or against HGE. The thesis will also explain the Islamic bioethical framework used for solving such novel bioethical issues and the view of Muslim scholars regarding the permissibility of using the technique of HGE for therapeutic purposes.