Genetic Disparity: How Close Are We to the Sci-Fi Future of GATTACA?

Gene Editing in the 21st Century: Progress and Ethics Explored

“Designer babies could be just two years away”, wrote CNN journalist Jack Guy in 2019. His article highlighted what was, at the time, the hottest news in the world of bioethics, that gene editing was becoming safe enough for use on human embryos.

But the potential application on human subjects sparked controversy. Many were concerned about these genetically-modified babies, specifically those whose genes were edited for vanity instead of therapy and disease prevention. There was talk that such tech would bring about some sort of dystopian, GATTACA-esque future. Others pointed out how uncomfortably close the notion of gene editing was to Eugenics. Others still doubted the use of any sort of genetic modification, muddying the waters with conspiracies of the dangers of other GMOs.

Four years later, almost two years after the predicted date that editing the genes of your offspring would be an option on the market, we’re still decidedly lacking any sort of super-children with superior intellectual or physical abilities.

But now, how much closer have we gotten to gene-editing away genetic risks in our future children? A GATTACA-esque future is closer than…