In your editorial (Babies designed by scientists could soon be possible. We need to talk about this, Professor, 10 April) you call for early examination of the ethical implications of new genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9. We at the Nuffield Council on Bioethics agree, and indeed we are currently launching a project to do just that. But this kind of discussion can no longer take place only among scientists, however well-informed or well-intentioned they are. It is a discussion that must engage society much more widely, and in our work we will seek to stimulate and reflect debate in public, professional and policy arenas.
Recent debates about new techniques for the prevention of mitochondrial DNA disorders, which resulted in parliamentary regulations to permit them, gave a good example of how novel but controversial science can and should be given a timely public airing. Our 2012 report on that subject provided an important platform for public discussion, and we would encourage people to similarly engage as we open up the issues around genome editing in the coming months.
Professor Jonathan Montgomery
Chair, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
