Controversial CRISPR scientist promises “no more genetically modified babies” until society changes its mind
The topic is genome editing. Of course, it is a technology for changing the DNA in individual cells, including embryos. Its importance can hardly be overestimated. I put it on a par with the invention of the transistor and artificial intelligence.
And why do I think that? Well, genome editing gives humans control, or at least the ability to control, the very processes that created us as a species. So that’s how profound it is.
Now let’s get to JK’s story. In 2018, we had a scoop – he might call it a leak – describing his experiment, which, as Mat said, involved editing human embryos to produce a particular gene called CCR5 with the aim of making the three children immune to HIV, which their fathers had and which is a cause of stigma in China. So that was the project.
Of course, our story immediately sparked chaos. Voices were raised all over the world – many critical, some supportive. But one of the consequences was that JK and his team, the parents and the doctors, were not able to tell their own story – in JK’s case, because he was actually incarcerated and serving a prison sentence. So we’re glad to have him here to answer my questions and those of our subscribers. JK, thank you for being here.
Several people, including Professor Michael Waitzkin of Duke University, would like to know about the three children. What do you know about their health and where did this information come from?
He Jiankui: Lulu, Nana and the third genetically modified baby – they were healthy and lead normal, peaceful, undisturbed lives. They are as happy as any other people, like any other children in kindergarten. I am in constant contact with their parents.
Antonio Regalado: I understand. Just kidding, at X you recently made a comment about one of the parents – now a single mother – that you were supporting financially. What can you tell us about that situation? What obligations do you have to those children and are you able to meet those obligations?
He Jiankui: The third genetic baby – the parents divorced, so the girl is with her mother. You know, a single mother, a single-parent family – life is not easy. So for the last two years I have been supporting her financially, but I’m not sure if that is right and ethical because I’m a scientist or a doctor and she’s a volunteer or a patient. Is it right for scientists or doctors to support a volunteer or a patient financially? Is that right and ethical? I’m not sure. So I have this question.