Human Gene Editing and Its Inherent Conundrums: Legal Perspectives

Abstract

Gene Editing, as a work of human ingenuity and innovation, opens up a vast range of possibilities for human existence in the future. While Gene Editing, on the surface, opens up the possibility of human perfection, it also raises a slew of ethical, philosophical, economic, and legal difficulties. From the standpoint of India’s commitment to ensuring an egalitarian society in which access to the fruits of science and technology is made available to both the rich and the poor, the prospect of Gene Editing raises deep and complex questions about the disparity in the capacity of the less resourceful to reap the benefits of this scientific advancement. The propriety of pushing such a disruptive technology - of men having the potential to fundamentally and dramatically alter nature’s systems of creation and sustenance - is also a factor in Gene Editing. Gene Editing also brings up the classic “Frankenstein” question: are we unleashing a beast beyond our control? Is it possible to get a global consensus on Gene Editing’s inherent limitations, if there are any? Because Gene Editing involves decrypting the fundamental building components of any human person, it raises the important question of whether such information should be made public, as well as the risks that come with it. Within its limited scope, this study makes a determined effort to address the aforementioned conundrums. It also attempts to provide a glimpse into the future that we are moving towards in terms of Human Gene Editing. While the scope of the various issues relating to Gene Editing is vast, the paper focuses primarily on the dimensions of Gene Editing’s economic perspective in India, its ethics, law, and scientific progress, informed consent and counselling in the domain of Gene Editing, and the need for transparency and accountability in the domain of Gene Editing.