CRISPR is a gene editing tool where “scientists can quickly and precisely alter, delete, and rearrange the DNA of nearly any living organism”(Specter Pg. 7) CRISPR has many pros and cons. A benefit of CRISPR it that it “could be used to modify disease causing genes in embryos brought to term, removing the faulty script from the genetic code of that person’s future descendants as well.”(Harris Pg. 1) This would lead to the saving of numerous lives and would allow more people to live a full happy life without the worry of genetic defects outside of their control. But if takin to far i could lead to far worse outcomes. “Permitting human germline gene editing for any reason would likely lead to…the emergence of a market-based eugenics that would exacerbate already existing discrimination, inequality, and conflict.”( Darnovsky Pg. 4) Because of existing class doifreenced and the price of CRISPR, higher classes could buy there way to be genetically superior only further speratong the classes of the world.
I personally think CRISPR has the potential to develop into a second, market-based eugenics movement if governments allow it on the market before the working class can afford it. This would allow as i said before higher classes to make themselves genetically superior and widen the economic and social class gap. And potentially prevent the lower classes from attaining any genetic modifications.
