Soon, genetically designed babies will be a reality

Imagine a world where parents can artificially choose the genetic make-up of babies who are intelligent, smart, good-looking, and devoid of any hereditary disease. These desires might be possible if the scientific advancements in genetic editing technology continue at an accelerated pace and our society resolves the ethical concerns associated with the potential abuse of this technology.

“The gene is passed, and we have no control over it today. But soon, with the progress in genetic modification, you will have control over the genes, including those of your unborn child,” said Shanker Goel an Indian space scientist and former secretary at the department of ocean development, ministry of earth sciences. He said that genetically designed babies “Will soon be a reality” for humans.

“Individuals may have the ability to control and modify their genetic make-up, including features such as eye colour, skin tone, and muscle strength, even before birth,” he said while speaking at the National institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa.

He highlighted the potential applications of synthetic biology in medicine, explaining that new drugs could be developed rapidly to combat the emerging viruses.

“Synthetic biology’s impact on humanity is going to be huge,” he added

“If a new virus emerges, we could analyse it in a matter of days and develop a drug against it. However, there’s a darker side as synthetic biology is also known for the creation of new viruses,” he cautioned.

While it might seem like it is straight out of science fiction, designer babies are becoming a reality.

For instance, in 2019, He Jiankui, Chinese researcher was found guilty and jailed for three years for creating the world’s first “gene-edited” children, for violating medical regulations.

He shocked the scientific community when he announced at a conference in Hong Kong that he had created genetically modified twin sisters, dubbed Lulu and Nana, and that a third child was on the way.

The court in Shenzhen found He guilty of “illegal medical practices” and in addition to the prison sentence fined him 3m yuan (£327,360), according to the state news agency, Xinhua. Two others on He’s research team received lesser fines and sentences.

He said he used a gene-editing procedure known as Crispr-Cas9 to rewrite the DNA in the girls’ embryos. The scientist claimed the modifications would make the children immune to HIV by turning a gene called CCR5 into a mutant form that prevents the virus from invading cells.

As genetic engineering is rapidly advancing, Kenya stands at a crucial crossroads between cutting-edge medical technology and deeply-rooted cultural values. Thus raising important questions about ethics, access, and cultural preservation in the Kenyan context.

Dr James Jacob, a geneticist and bioinformatician from the University of Nairobi, emphasises the unique considerations Kenya faces in embracing genetic modification technologies.

“Given Kenya’s rich genetic diversity and varied ethnic backgrounds, we must approach these advancements with particular sensitivity,” he explains. “Our population tends to be reserved about accepting such technologies, often associating them with Western influence and viewing them through the lens of existing misinformation.”

The landscape of genetic modification in Kenya is complex, influenced by religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic factors. According to Dr Ezekiel Mecha, a senior lecturer and biochemist at the University of Nairobi, approximately 80 per cent of Kenyans identify as Christian, holding strong beliefs about the sanctity of natural processes in childbirth and human development.

“We’re seeing mixed reactions among the Kenyan population,” Dr Mecha notes. “While there’s growing acceptance of genetic modifications in agriculture, as demonstrated by the public’s evolving stance on Bt maize, medical applications face more scrutiny.”

The potential applications are significant, particularly in addressing hereditary diseases common in Kenya. Dr Jacob identifies several primary targets for genetic modification: “Sickle Cell Disease, which is prevalent in regions with high malaria rates, could benefit from gene-editing techniques like CRISPR to correct hemoglobin mutations. Other conditions like thalassemia, hereditary deafness, and G6PD deficiency could also be addressed through genetic intervention.”

As Kenya navigates this complex landscape, the experts emphasise the importance of public education and community engagement. “Success depends on building trust and addressing fears while promoting widespread acceptance,” Dr Jacob says.