An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China

Human genomic enhancement, or HGE, which improves human traits by introducing genetic and epigenetic changes, has garnered a lot of attention in light of the astounding advancement in genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, in recent years. This study combines doctrinal and empirical analysi...

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Main Authors: Fanhong Chen, Hongjiao Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Genetics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1600829/full
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author Fanhong Chen
Hongjiao Zhang
author_facet Fanhong Chen
Hongjiao Zhang
author_sort Fanhong Chen
collection DOAJ
description Human genomic enhancement, or HGE, which improves human traits by introducing genetic and epigenetic changes, has garnered a lot of attention in light of the astounding advancement in genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, in recent years. This study combines doctrinal and empirical analysis methods to examine bioethical issues of HGE in China. The literature currently in publication on these issues indicates that the majority of Chinese academics and the general public are enthusiastic about the present and potential future applications of genome editing techniques within the parameters of appropriate ethical guidelines; regrettably, no workable ethical governance framework has been put forth so far. Considering this, this study offers a more comprehensive discussion of ethical policy on HGE and develops a robust ethical framework that addresses three related issues about HGE: (1) approaching the precautionary principle as an overarching benchmark; (2) producing a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance model to promote stakeholder engagement and dialogue; and (3) establishing regional ethics review centers to have an independent review process. This is done in an effort to address ethical concerns and further inform policymaking on HGE in China.
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spelling doaj-art-45eb5fb57ce9479ba82d242d05d1e4c22025-08-20T03:49:42ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Genetics1664-80212025-05-011610.3389/fgene.2025.16008291600829An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in ChinaFanhong ChenHongjiao ZhangHuman genomic enhancement, or HGE, which improves human traits by introducing genetic and epigenetic changes, has garnered a lot of attention in light of the astounding advancement in genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, in recent years. This study combines doctrinal and empirical analysis methods to examine bioethical issues of HGE in China. The literature currently in publication on these issues indicates that the majority of Chinese academics and the general public are enthusiastic about the present and potential future applications of genome editing techniques within the parameters of appropriate ethical guidelines; regrettably, no workable ethical governance framework has been put forth so far. Considering this, this study offers a more comprehensive discussion of ethical policy on HGE and develops a robust ethical framework that addresses three related issues about HGE: (1) approaching the precautionary principle as an overarching benchmark; (2) producing a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance model to promote stakeholder engagement and dialogue; and (3) establishing regional ethics review centers to have an independent review process. This is done in an effort to address ethical concerns and further inform policymaking on HGE in China. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1600829/fullhuman genomic enhancementCRISPR-Cas9ethicsgene editing technologyChina
spellingShingle Fanhong Chen
Hongjiao Zhang
An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
Frontiers in Genetics
human genomic enhancement
CRISPR-Cas9
ethics
gene editing technology
China
title An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
title_full An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
title_fullStr An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
title_full_unstemmed An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
title_short An ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in China
title_sort ethical framework for human genomic enhancement in china
topic human genomic enhancement
CRISPR-Cas9
ethics
gene editing technology
China
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1600829/full
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