Specifying the Ethics of Human Genome Editing

This chapter aims to specify an ethical reasoning for human genome editingHuman genome editing (HGE). First, it evidences how this reasoning cannot be as simple as confronting somatic versus germline HGE, and therapyTherapy versus enhancement. Concerning the last division, as shown by the principle of proportionalityProportionality, intentions such as life preservation, healthHealth restoration, disease preventionPrevention, functional improvements, and personal preferences respond to different necessity levels. Concerning somatic versus germline HGE, recent documents refer to somatic, germline (not for reproduction) and heritable (for reproduction). To do a bioethical analysis, germline and heritable HGE must be subdivided into gene editingGene editing done in gametes precursor cells (female/male), gametes (female/male), and embryos. Precise identification of the type of HGE is essential for a complete bioethical analysis. Lastly, brief comments regarding the ethicsEthics of the various types of human genome editingHuman genome editing are offered.