Public Deliberation about Gene Editing in the Wild

This is the introduction to a special report from the Hastings Center on public deliberation about gene editing, specifically as it is used to modify organisms that are then released into the wild. The authors identify the lack of clear definition around the concepts of public engagement and public deliberation in the discourse surrounding gene editing, despite widespread acknowledgement of their importance. This incongruity makes clarifying specific approaches to public participation in the governance of gene editing a priority. The authors identify key issues in engaging publics, including choosing participants, framing questions, and accounting for power disparities. The piece ultimately argues that broader representation and deliberation that could help identify and address value disparities is warranted.