Human Germline Genetic Modification: Issues and Options for Policymakers

This report is intended to facilitate informed public discussion of human germline genetic modification (HGGM). It addresses the scientific, legal, regulatory, ethical, moral, and societal issues raised by genetic modification of the human germline and lays out an array of possible policy approaches that could be adopted for HGGM research. It also includes a sample of recent public opinion research conducted by the Genetics and Public Policy Center on this topic. This report does not address issues related to chimeras (produced by mixing cells from different humans or mixing human and animal cells) or wholesale genome replacement, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, visit the Genetics & Public Policy Center Web site or visit the Genetics and Public Policy Centeron PewHealth.org.