ETHICAL NIGHTMARE

Chinese Scientist Who Genetically Modified Babies Could Face Criminal Charges

The Chinese government found He Jiankui “seriously violated” the country's regulations.

A Chinese scientist who claimed he created the world’s first genetically-modified babies “seriously violated” the country’s regulations, The New York Times reports. According to the results of a government probe into the matter, scientist He Jiankui and those he worked with could face criminal charges after they edited human embryos and implanted them in female volunteers. The Chinese government reportedly claimed He and his team deliberately evaded supervision, used unsafe methods, and forged review materials that made their work seem ethical. The government also claimed He raised money on his own for his own “personal fame and fortune.” “This behavior seriously violated ethics, scientific research integrity and relevant state regulations causing adverse effects at home and abroad,” Chinese state media Xinhua said. One of He’s volunteers reportedly gave birth to twin girls in November, and another is currently pregnant. The scientist caused an international outcry after he publicly announced that he successfully genetically modified babies at a conference late last year, prompting the government probe.

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Tanya Basu