Bioethics’ Role in the Global Governance of Human Genome Editing

A common theme that resulted from the Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA)Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) method applied to selected WHO and Humanity + texts is global governanceGlobal governance to minimise the risksRisks and maximise the benefits of human genome editingHuman genome editing. This theme comprises the main governance elements (research, funding, public debatePublic debate, policies) and the predominant valuesValues commonly found in the selected texts (autonomyAutonomy, protectionProtection, and equalityEquality-solidarity). This chapter begins by considering that BioethicsBioethics is searching for its role in the global governanceGovernance of human genome editing (HGE). EthicsEthics should go beyond procedures, and do more than call for transparent, inclusive, and accountable governanceGovernance. Secondly, as ethics has to do with moral agents, this chapter considers how Bioethics can contribute to the key stakeholders of the global governanceGlobal governance of HGE: researchers, policymakers, funders, and the public. Thirdly, the valuesValues in the HGE debate are changing. Past, current and future possible values are considered. Lastly, ideas on whether, why, and how to participate in the public dialogue of gene editingGene editing are offered.