The Ethics of Heritable Non-Therapeutic Human Genome Editing

Abstract

This thesis considers the moral permissibility of heritable non-therapeutic human genome editing. That is, genetic changes that seek to alter the genes of future generations for enhancement and aesthetic reasons. Some examples include genetic changes to muscle mass, cognitive abilities, eye colour, hair texture, skin colour, and so on. Given relevant moral considerations, I argue that the case against heritable non-therapeutic human genome editing is stronger than the case in favour.