Responsible governance of human germline genome editing in China†

Considerable improvements have been made to gene editing technology, which has been increasingly applied to research involving humans. Nevertheless, human heritable germline genome editing is associated with a series of potential ethical, legal, and social risks, which have generated major controversies and discussions worldwide, especially after the gene-edited babies incident. Influenced by this incident, China has realized the importance of ethical governance in the field of life science and technology, has accelerated legislative and policy efforts in this field, and has gradually moved toward the direction of precautionary ethical governance. Black letter analysis, big data public opinion analysis, and other research methods are used in this paper. This paper explores the scientific background, ethical debates, and latest developments regarding China's regulatory framework for human germline gene editing after the gene-edited babies controversy and provides several recommendations on the future governance system of human germline gene editing in China. This paper argues that in recent years, the ethics governance of germline genome editing in China has been accelerated and great changes have been made. However, the regulatory system for germline genome editing requires further improvement in three aspects: coordination of legislation and agencies, establishment of an ethics review system at high levels, and public participation and education. Continual progress has been made in establishing a governance system of ethical issues regarding human genome editing, particularly human germline genome editing; however, further improvements are required.

Automated summary

Considerable improvements have been made to gene editing technology, but human heritable germline genome editing still poses potential ethical, legal, and social risks. In response to the gene-edited babies incident, China has recognized the importance of ethical governance in life science and technology, and has accelerated its legislative and policy efforts in this field. This paper explores the scientific background and ethical debates surrounding China's regulatory framework for human germline gene editing, and provides recommendations for its future governance system. Although progress has been made in establishing an ethical governance system for human genome editing in China, further improvements are needed.