The implications of the gender-based prohibitions relating to human germline genome editing in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act

Amarpreet Kaur*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Research question: What are the implications of the gender-based prohibitions relating to human germline genome editing (hGGE) in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act 1990, as amended in 2008? Design: A three-phase primary research design consisting of a mixed-methods online public survey of 521 UK citizens aged 16–82 years, 13 semi-structured interviews with experts and professionals involved in the future of hGGE, and structured interviews with 21 people affected by genetic conditions. The research was conducted between March 2018 and October 2019. Results: Gender-based prohibitions in the HFE Act weaken its intent to prevent germline cells that have been altered from resulting in a pregnancy and the possible birth of people with edited genomes. This weakness could become increasingly problematic as genome editing technologies develop and social advances seek to eradicate gendered expectations and gendered binaries. Conclusion: The HFE Act should be amended to avoid gender-based discrimination and the potential gender-based prohibitions have to circumvent germline genome editing being used before the technology is considered safe enough to prevent disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)457-462
Number of pages6
JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online
Volume42
Issue number2
Early online date20 Nov 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council's Doctoral Training Partnership in Cambridge, award reference: ES/J500033/1.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020

Keywords

  • Assisted reproductive technologies
  • Gender recognition certificates
  • Germline genome editing
  • Legislation
  • Transgender
  • Uterine Transplants

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Developmental Biology

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