Three Parent Baby

Yesterday the British Parliament passed legislation to allow scientists to use the DNA from three people in order to genetically modify human embryos and thereby prevent inherited diseases. Britain becomes the world’s first nation to allow genetic modification in humans.

The British Health Minister, Jane Ellison told the House of Commons that “This is a bold step to take, but it is a considered and informed step.” The rationale to support this decision is that genetic modification can prevent the pain and suffering that comes with genetic diseases. But critics say it crosses a “red line”, with unforeseen potential health risks and consequences.

Medical Science has always forced us to wrestle with ethics. Is it ever possible to ‘know too much’ and to interfere with nature? Psalm 139:13 says, “You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” How do we as Christians reconcile the amazing and beneficial discoveries that come to us in medical research without feeling that we have crossed that “red line”? Every day I see people who have benefitted from the remarkable developments that have come with modern medicine but what is the tipping point when we say this is one step too far or is there such a place?

I’m curious to know what you think.