A controversial intervention in our genetic make-up

The United Kingdom gave for the first time on the 1 February 2016 the green light for human embryos to be genetically modified for research purposes. The application of a genetic engineer, Kathy Niakan, at the Francis Crick Institute in London was approved by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.

Some commentators saw the move as a first step in the direction of designer babies. Others were delighted at the prospect of gaining new medical knowledge.

This Main Focus from Euro|Topics offers English (+ French and German) translations of a selections of articles in European news sources on this topic.

• Primary Source

Website: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority http://www.hfea.gov.uk/

The Guardian, 01.02.16: British researchers get green light to genetically modify human embryos https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/feb/01/human-embryo-genetic-modify-regulator-green-light-research

The New York Times, 01.02.16: British Researcher Gets Permission to Edit Genes of Human Embryos http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/health/crispr-gene-editing-human-embryos-kathy-niakan-britain.html?_r=0

BBC News, 01.02.16: Scientists get 'gene editing' go-ahead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35459054

Euro|Topics: Debates, August 2017: Should we modify DNA in human embryos? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/183796/should-we-modify-dna-in-human-embryos

The Guardian, 02.08.17: Deadly gene mutations removed from human embryos in landmark study https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/aug/02/deadly-gene-mutations-removed-from-human-embryos-in-landmark-study

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