The Cost of Editing Humanity
Zuangting He, The Latin School of Chicago, Junior, Spring 2026
Imagine a world where genetic disease can be cured by modifying a faulty piece of DNA. Genetic editing, such as CRISPR, has promised exactly that but forces society to rethink its moral standards. CRISPR is a tool used to make changes in specific regions of the DNA to prevent or treat diseases caused from gene mutations and is used in transplanting animal organs into humans to solve the pressing need for organ donors. According to Organ Donor, “More than 100,000 people in the US are on the national transplant waiting list. 13 people die each day waiting for an organ.” (OrganDonor, 2025) The urgent need has pushed scientists to explore animal organs as a solution. Sarah Kutschke, Latin School Biology teacher, explains that “the editing that they do is to ensure as successful of a transplant as possible, stopping the size at a certain point and changing the antibodies so we don’t have this major immune response.” While gene editing of animals provides a promising solution to the shortage, its rapid advancement raises ethical dilemmas. This gray area, between treatment and enhancement– the ability to edit the human genome that would be passed down to future generations– amplifies the revival of eugenics and social inequality. If only certain traits are preferred, such as high athleticism, genetic editing causes a loss of diversity in society. The United States prohibits editing genes in embryos intended for reproduction. A study reported “a large majority (74%) in the U.S. say they would oppose using gene editing to change a baby’s physical characteristics to make them more attractive. Only 5% would favor this” (Pew Research Center, 2022). Adults and students reflect these growing concerns. Margaret O’Malley, a biology student at Latin School, shares that “gene editing to cure diseases is really important, especially when it is necessary to save lives, but there should be a clear line between editing to create a ‘perfect’ human. It could change society in ways we may not be prepared for and cause more divide, especially if it’s not regulated.” Although genome editing technology has evolved to reshape the health care system, it can easily erase the uniqueness that strengthens all aspects of society. Its true impact will depend on how responsibly and ethically we choose to use it. |
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