germ line gene therapy

Whether it is referred to by its scientific term "syngamy" or by the general term "conception", the moment a sperm cell unites with an egg cell stirs, both in the scientist and the layperson, much awe and reverence. It is the point at which a new and unique genome is created. To some it is the instant a new person comes into existence. Such a union has been repeated for billions of years since its …

…hold the promise of improved health for many people. Scientists and society have made many mistakes in the past based on faulty scientific theories. With these mistakes in mind and keeping fresh the memory of the suffering caused by such ideas, science should forge ahead. Through continuously stimulated public debate and thorough, careful research, germ-line therapy can progress at a rate that would allow our children to be the first to benefit from this technology.