Enhanced Beings
Human Germline Modification and the Law

Explains how and why laws against human germline modification will do more harm than good.

Kerry Lynn Macintosh (Author)

9781108457293, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 August 2018

192 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.2 cm, 0.3 kg

'The ability to modify human genes will soon tempt parents to create designer children different - and arguably better - than nature would have done on its own. That prospect threatens to inflame public debate, and prompt ill-considered measures out of proportion to the issues at hand. To inform these developments, Kerry Lynn Macintosh has written a comprehensive account of the science, the likely implications, the ethical and policy arguments, and the possible legal responses. Her timely and well-written account promises to influence a controversial issue in a measured and intelligent way.' June Carbone, Robina Chair of Law, Science and Technology, University of Minnesota

Today, scientists are using CRISPR/Cas9 and other molecular editing tools to alter human gametes and embryos, a practice known as human germline modification. In the near future, these efforts may lead to the birth of children with better health, improved memories, and extended lifespans. However, critics claim that human germline modification exceeds divine and natural boundaries, transforms reproduction into manufacture, and yields apocalyptic outcomes such as the collapse of democracy. Enhanced Beings: Human Germline Modification and the Law analyzes and critiques these objections on both biological and political grounds. Professor Kerry Lynn Macintosh discusses the hidden psychology behind the objections, and describes the laws that affect this new technology. Provocative and timely, Enhanced Beings argues that bans on human germline modification pose a threat to scientists and science, parents, children, foreigners, and society.

Introduction
Part I. Objections to Human Germline Modification: 1. Therapy and enhancement
2. Transgressing boundaries
3. Transforming reproduction into manufacture
4. Stratifying society
5. Endangering democracy, society, and the species
Part II. Psychological Origins and Consequences of Objections to Human Germline Modification: 6. Psychological essentialism
7. Envy
Part III. Human Germline Modification and the Law: 8. Existing laws and regulations
9. Future laws and regulations
10. Prohibiting human germline modification harms scientists and science, parents, children, foreigners, and society
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Genetic engineering [TCBG], Biotechnology [TCB], Medical genetics [MFN], Medicolegal issues [MBQ], Law & society [LAQ], Law [L], Psychology [JM], Ethical issues: scientific & technological developments [JFMG], Ethical issues & debates [JFM]