Rapid breakthroughs in genetic research, advances in molecular biology, and new reproductive technologies are enhancing our understanding of and responses to genetically inherited diseases.  Among those advances is the possibility of modifying human genes that can be transmitted to future generations.  Such techniques alter the genetic makeup of the reproductive cells, thereby promising to eliminate the inheritance of some genetically based diseases.  This type of intervention also allows for the possibility of going beyond therapeutic purposes to “enhance” human characteristics, such as height or memory. 

Opportunities for thoughtful and deliberate reflection on developments in biomedicine before they are upon us are rare.  Typically, we are in a “reactionary mode,” scrambling to match our values and policy to the events around us.  But with human inheritable interventions,  we have the chance to think and plan ahead, to give direction to this technology through rigorous analysis and dialogue.  The Human Inheritable Genetic Modifications report, prepared by AAAS, was done in association with a working group of scientists, ethicists, theologians and policy analysts to formulate recommendations on the types of applications that should be either encouraged or discouraged and the safeguards that should be implemented.   The report examines the feasibility of various kinds of human inheritable genetic applications, the risks involved, the appropriate scope and limits of such research, consent issues, and the social, ethical, and theological implications of the technology. The report includes a series of findngs, concerns, and recommendations.

The Directorate for Science and Policy Programs hosts the two programs organizing the project.  The Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Program is responsible for the Association’s activities related to ethics and law, while the Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion Program promotes opportunities for dialogues between the scientific and religious communities on the ethical and religious implications of science and technology.  The project is directed by Drs. Audrey R. Chapman and Mark S. Frankel at AAAS. 

The project and report were supported by The Greenwall Foundation. 

The complete AAAS report is available here in PDF format.