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About Inheritable Genetic Modification


The Basic Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Arguments Pro & Con

Inheritable genetic modification (IGM, also called germline engineering) means changing the genes passed on to future generations. The genetic changes would be made in eggs, sperm or early embryos; modified genes would appear not only in the person who developed from that gamete or embryo, but also in all succeeding generations. IGM has not been tried in humans. It would be by far the most consequential type of genetic modification as it would open the door to irreversibly altering the human species.

Proposals for inheritable genetic modification in humans combine techniques involving in vitro fertilization (IVF), gene transfer, embryonic stem cells and research cloning.



Happy Birthday!by Pete ShanksBiopolitical TimesJuly 25th, 2008Louise Brown's 30th birthday is also the 30th anniversary of the start of the modern assisted reproduction industry.
Germline Modification Carries Risk of Major Social Harm by Marcy DarnovskyNatureJune 4th, 2008In this letter to the editor, CGS's Darnovsky points out that when discussing the potential to derive gametes from stem cells, we must be willing to draw lines proscribing socially pernicious applications.
Center for American Progress on GM Embryosby Jesse ReynoldsBiopolitical TimesMay 29th, 2008Sirine Shebaya at the Center for American Progress's Science Progress blog commented on the recent disclosure of the first genetically modified human embryos.
UK Scientists to Combine Human, Animal Embryos[Interviews CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]CNN Headline NewsMay 21st, 2008CNN's Glenn Beck on cybrids.
Crossing An Ethical Boundaryby Marcy DarnovskyThe Journal of Life SciencesMay 19th, 2008When scientists fail to appreciate public concerns they can easily undermine public trust.
US group questions human embryo research, calls for rules[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]Deutsche Presse-AgenturMay 14th, 2008The Center for Genetics and Society calls for national bioethics standards and regulations after scientists produced a genetically-engineered embryo.
U.S. Researchers Create Genetically Modified Human EmbryoGenetic CrossroadsMay 14th, 2008A U.S. research group has created what appears to be the world's first genetically modified human embryo, crossing an ethical boundary that until now has been observed by scientists around the world.
Media Coverage of Genetically Modified Embryosby Jesse ReynoldsBiopolitical TimesMay 13th, 2008Here is a roundup of some of the media coverage from the weekend's revelation that scientists have created a genetically modified human embryo.
Engineering by Scientists on Embryo Stirs Criticism[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Andrew PollackNew York TimesMay 13th, 2008Researchers in New York have created what is believed to be the first genetically engineered human embryo, which critics immediately branded as a step toward “designer babies.”
Genetically modified human embryo stirs criticism[Quotes CGS's Marcy Darnovsky]by Malcolm RitterAssociated PressMay 12th, 2008News that scientists have for the first time genetically altered a human embryo is drawing fire from some watchdog groups that say it's a step toward creating "designer babies."
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