The report also offered qualified support for the use of CRISPR for making gene-edited babies, but only if it were deployed for the elimination of serious diseases.
The advisory committee drew a red line at genetic enhancementslike higher intelligence. Genome editing to enhance traits or abilities beyond ordinary health raises concerns about whether the benefits can outweigh the risks, and about fairness if available only to some people, said Alta Charo, co-chair of the NASs study committee and professor of law and bioethics at the University of WisconsinMadison.