Statement on Human Germline Genome Modification

ISSCR released this statement shortly before the publication of CRISPR research on nonviable human embryos. It suggests a moratorium on clinical germline genome editing research. The statement asserts that in addition to the lack of understanding of safety and risk, more social and ethical deliberation are necessary in order to determine whether the clinical use of germline editing will ever be permissible. The statement does continue to support basic genome editing research as well as calling for “broad public and international dialogue on the capabilities and limitations of these technologies.” ISSCR would later release and revise guidelines softening their stance on a moratorium and suggesting a path to the clinical use of germline genome editing.