Press

Our knowledge of genomes has progressed remarkably, thanks in particular to advances in genomic engineering technologies. Numerous applications have seen the light of day, and others are hoped for, both for human health and in the plant and animal fields. Faced with the fears and legitimate questions raised by these developments, the CCNE has decided to take an ethical look at the targeted modifications of the genome made possible by these technologies. It is today publishing its Opinion 133[1] , which represents the first ethical reflection on these modifications in all living organisms, human and non-human. While it considers it important to continue to support fundamental research - a source of knowledge - the CCNE calls for vigilance and monitoring, within a possibly reinforced regulatory framework, for any application of these advances to animal species and plants. In the case of humans, the scale of the uncertainties involved in the transmission of genetic modifications to descendants means that an international moratorium is needed, in a context where a number of countries do not have a sufficient legislative framework. The CCNE believes that it is essential to organise ethical discussions without waiting for scientific advances to make it possible to provide "individual genetic care".

At the same time, the French, English and German ethics committees published a joint statement in Nature on the ethical issues surrounding targeted modifications of the human genome.

[1] Opinion 133: Ethical issues of targeted genome modifications: between hope and vigilance. Opinion adopted unanimously by the members present on 19 September 2019.