South Africa has quietly amended its national health research guidelines to potentially allow heritable genome editing, becoming the first country to outline policies that could enable genetically modified children. This change, published in May, has placed the nation in a controversial position on the global ethical landscape regarding genetic modification.
Heritable human genome editing, a contentious field largely due to its profound societal and ethical implications, gained international attention in 2018 when a Chinese scientist used CRISPR technology to create the first gene-edited babies. His experiment aimed to make the children resistant to HIV, but it was widely criticized as medically unjustified, secretive, and lacking public consultation. While a few researchers called for a “responsible translational pathway” for such research, more than 70 countries have explicitly prohibited heritable genome editing. Until now, no nation had formally permitted it.
In South Africa, recent advancements in somatic genome editing—non-heritable and used to treat conditions like sickle cell disease—have gained support. However, the new guidelines differ by setting the stage for heritable genome editing, raising questions about its implications for future generations. Experts are now voicing concerns about potential societal harms, health risks, and the possibility of South Africa becoming a hub for scientific tourism as international researchers may be drawn to more lenient regulations.
As South Africa navigates this new ethical terrain, the global scientific community and local citizens are urged to critically evaluate the decision’s far-reaching consequences. Advocates stress the need for widespread public engagement and rigorous oversight to avoid potential misuses of CRISPR technology, ensuring alignment with South Africa’s legal framework and international standards.
