(Undated) — Most Americans say they think it is OK for scientists to alter a baby’s genetic characteristics for health reasons. In a Pew Research Center survey those same people say they do not approve of editing a baby’s genes to make him or her more intelligent. Seventy-two percent of Americans were in favor of changing a baby’s genetic characteristics to treat a serious disease or condition. Only 19 percent said it was OK to do so to make the baby more intelligent, with 80 percent against. On the question is it alright to change genetic makeup to reduce the risk of a serious disease that might occur over a lifetime 60 percent of Americans said yes. Scientists are not at the point where gene editing is widely available and they say more testing needs to be done. However, 65 percent of Americans say if gene editing relies on embryonic testing it is going too far.
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10-13-2018 16:56:10
