Ethics Lab_UCT’s Post

A handful of South African academics claimed that creating genetically modified children is now permitted there, prompting alarm from advocates and an eventual response from the Chair of South Africa's National Health Research Ethics Council. https://lnkd.in/eByxA_sy Scientists, researchers and advocates, including Françoise Baylis and CGS’ Katie Hasson, raised concerns about interpretations of new language in South Africa’s health research ethics guidelines that could pave the way for heritable human genome editing. https://lnkd.in/eGHaFFJP Critics of the interpretation emphasize that it conflicts with South African law, ignores ethical concerns with heritable genome editing, and pushes a false narrative of public acceptance. https://lnkd.in/d4GWr2jF Dr Anye Nyamnjoh, University of Cape Town, argues that invoking the African philosophical concept of Ubuntu to advocate for equal access to heritable genome editing exemplifies “ethics washing”––using superficial ethical language to legitimize an agenda without substantive engagement. https://lnkd.in/dX_fqAhn After alerts from CGS and others about their misleading effort, the Chair of South Africa's National Health Research Ethics Council confirmed that heritable human genome editing is prohibited. https://lnkd.in/eDss72H4

I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my latest article on Word on Fire Catholic Ministries! In "Reproductive Ethics, Genetic Engineering, and the Common Good," I delve into the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering, especially with CRISPR technology. By examining these technologies through the lens of Bernard Lonergan’s Critical Realism, I highlight the importance of aligning scientific advancements with the broader societal good. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dhBcNyZR #GeneticEngineering #Bioethics #CommonGood #CRISPR #WordOnFire

Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Genetics: A Call for Thoughtful Consideration In today's rapidly advancing world of genetics, the ethical dimensions surrounding our research and technologies have become more intricate than ever before. It's imperative that we, as professionals in this field, engage in deliberate discourse and decision-making to ensure that our progress remains both scientifically groundbreaking and ethically sound. As we explore the vast potential of genetics, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the risks. While gene editing technologies like CRISPR offer the promise of eradicating genetic diseases, they also raise profound ethical concerns regarding unintended consequences and potential misuse. Similarly, genetic testing provides invaluable insights into health risks but brings up issues of privacy, consent, and discrimination. Central to ethical genetics is the principle of autonomy – the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their genetic information. Ensuring open conversations, clear agreements, and protections against pressure or unfair treatment are vital. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate the various cultural, religious, and social viewpoints that influence how people perceive genetics. It's really important that everyone has a fair chance when it comes to genetic research and healthcare. This means making sure that everyone, especially those who might be more vulnerable, can get access to genetic tests and treatments. We need to work on fixing any unfair differences and making sure that everyone has the same chance to take part in genetic research and healthcare. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and ongoing education, we can develop ethical frameworks that guide responsible innovation and protect the well-being of individuals and communities. Let's approach the ethics of genetics with humility, empathy, and a commitment to justice, shaping a future where genetics is a force for both scientific advancement and ethical integrity. #Ethics #Genetics #ResponsibleInnovation #Bioethics https://lnkd.in/gQWeJp9x

South Africa’s recently updated Ethics in Health Research Guidelines have sparked global discussions. While some fear they green-light heritable human genome editing, the reality is more nuanced. 🔗 Learn more about the future of genome editing and ethics in South Africa. #GenomeEditing #EthicsInScience #SouthAfrica #Bioethics #GeneticResearch #PublicHealth #GlobalDebate https://lnkd.in/gmFuU65j

Genetic testing can empower patients and improve outcomes, but only if we address key ethical challenges like data ownership, access, and security. 🔐 In our latest webinar, "Precision medicine ethics: Navigating genetic screening with care," a panel of powerful advocates break down how we can balance innovation with patient trust. ✨ Recap and full webinar are available on-demand now: https://lnkd.in/gPEKnXHP #PatientEmpowerment #DataPrivacy #Bioethics #PrecisionMedicine #Genomics

I’ve just published an article on Word on Fire Catholic Ministries’s Evangelization and Culture Online magazine, exploring the complex relationship between reproductive ethics, genetic engineering, and the common good. Dive into the ethical implications of #CRISPR technology and how we can harmonize scientific advancements with ethical principles to benefit humanity. Drawing from Bernard #Lonergan’s philosophy, this piece is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of #technology and #ethics. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dhBcNyZR

South Africa Allows Human Genome Editing: Ethics, Economics, and Global Impact South Africa has become the first country to explicitly permit heritable human genome editing, amending its national health research guidelines to allow for the creation of genetically modified children. This groundbreaking decision, reported by Business Standard, has sparked global debate over ethical implications, as it contrasts with the prohibitive policies of over 70 nations and raises concerns about safety, long-term effects, and potential social inequalities. - Should science push the boundaries of human genetics, or are we crossing an irreversible ethical line? - Does the prospect of designer babies mark a revolutionary leap forward, or a perilous step toward deepening social divides and inequalities? - Will this decision ignite a global race for genetic enhancement, and are we ready for the consequences? - A global race for genetic enhancement could unleash unprecedented opportunities; but at what cost? If this technology becomes commercialized, how will nations balance innovation with equitable access? Should there be a unified international framework to regulate genome editing, or does scientific progress benefit from allowing individual countries to chart their own paths? These questions challenge the ethics, future, and societal impact of genome editing. What do you think? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Let’s discuss: Where do we draw the line on human genetic modification?. #GenomeEditing #GeneticResearch #EthicsInScience #BiotechRevolution #HumanGenetics #ScientificEthics #EconomicImpact #SouthAfrica

If this is true, then the unregulated artificial intelligence development will be far more devestating than unregulated genetic engineering. #AI , #geneticengineering #artificialintelegence #ethics

Genomic Data Sharing and Ethical Considerations Genomic research holds immense potential to advance healthcare by uncovering the genetic basis of diseases and developing personalized treatments. However, the power of genomic data also brings significant ethical considerations, particularly around data sharing. Ethical data sharing practices are crucial to protect individuals' privacy, ensure equitable access to data, and foster trust in #genomics research. Sharing genomic data is essential for accelerating scientific discoveries and improving public health. By pooling data from diverse populations, researchers can identify genetic variations that contribute to disease, understand population-specific health risks, and develop targeted interventions. In Africa, where genomic data is relatively scarce, ethical data sharing can bridge knowledge gaps and drive innovation in healthcare. However, there is a great need for the implementation of strong regulatory frameworks for the protection of individuals’ genomic data in African countries. At CMB Genomics, we are committed to promoting ethical data sharing practices. We adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that all data collected and shared respects the privacy and autonomy of participants. This includes obtaining informed consent, anonymizing data to protect identities, and implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access. One of the key challenges in genomic data sharing is balancing the need for open access with the need to protect individual privacy. Open access to data can significantly enhance research, but it must be done in a way that safeguards participants' rights. Ethical data sharing is also about fostering global collaboration. By sharing data responsibly, we can contribute to a global repository of genomic information that benefits researchers worldwide. This collaborative approach is particularly important for addressing diseases that affect populations across different regions and improving global health outcomes. At CMB Genomics, a Nairobi-based startup, we are dedicated to advancing genomic research through ethical data sharing practices. We invite researchers, ethicists, and funding agencies to collaborate with us in promoting these practices. Together, we can enhance the impact of genomic research while safeguarding the rights and privacy of participants. Contact us at CMB Genomics on +254743 529576 or  info@cmbgenomics.org to learn more about our company and explore partnership opportunities. Let’s work together to ensure that genomic research benefits everyone, ethically and equitably. #Genomics #EthicalDataSharing #Research #Privacy #Africa #Kenya #Nairobi #CMBGenomics #Opendata

Governing with public engagement: an anticipatory approach to human genome editing Dorit Barlevy et al., (2024). Science and Public Policy, scae010, https://lnkd.in/eXp-35DS Abstract: In response to calls for public engagement on human genome editing (HGE), which intensified after the 2018 He Jiankui scandal that resulted in the implantation of genetically modified embryos, we detail an anticipatory approach to the governance of HGE. By soliciting multidisciplinary experts’ input on the drivers and uncertainties of HGE development, we developed a set of plausible future scenarios to ascertain publics values—specifically, their hopes and concerns regarding the novel technology and its applications. In turn, we gathered a subset of multidisciplinary experts to propose governance recommendations for HGE that incorporate identified publics’ values. These recommendations include: (1) continued participatory public engagement; (2) international harmonization and transparency of multiple governance levers such as professional and scientific societies, funders, and regulators; and (3) development of a formal whistleblower framework.