BI215-A: Principles of Genetics

Though I have no personal experience, I feel like most researchers carry out experiments especially on grandiose levels such as Jankui’s experiment because the research is something that they are extremely passionate about and adamant on seeing through. As someone who is seemingly intelligent enough to essentially create HIV immunity in these twin babies, I definitely think Jankui was aware of how unethical his experiment would be seen in the science community and elsewhere. Though Jankui was not technically breaking any rules, his experiment is unethical because these babies are now the product of an experiment with unforeseen side effects that could cause serious harm. I’m not sure how they handle situations like this in accordance with China’s government, but I do think the parents’ of the babies should also decide if they want to press charges or not if complications do occur. Although a situation with a lot of gray area, I do think that Jankui’s had good intentions and he carried out the experiment because it was something he was passionate about. 

Several other cases of unethical experimentation have been seen throughout history. A well known example is the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.” A large number of African-American males became participants in a study that promised free medical exams, meals, and burial insurance in exchange for their participation. However, these men did not receive any treatment at all and it was later acknowledged that the study’s objective was to see how syphilis escalated in the absence of treatment. I do not think Jankui’s experiment should be compared to unethical experiments such as the Tuskegee experiment and others alike because like I said before, Jankui didn’t technically break any rules or force anyone to be a part of his experiment. If these babies are immune, I think that’s an exciting development. However, my only concern is that they are at high risk of damaging side effects. Honestly, I think China may get a bad rap for such experimentation especially in the midst of what we're going through right now. But thought it might not have been on the best terms, if the babies have no complications, I think it's an advancement that the scientific community can appreciate. 

NormileNov, D., HeidtApr, A., HeidtApr, A., Ortega, R. P., HeidtApr, A., & BrainardApr, J. (2018, November 27). CRISPR bombshell: Chinese researcher claims to have created gene-edited twins. Retrieved from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/11/crispr-bombshell-chinese-researcher-claims-have-created-gene-edited-twins