UK Article: "Ethics of gene-editing: What is CRISPR and should we be using it to change embryos?"

Link to article: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ethics-gene-editing-what-crispr-should-we-be-using-it-change-embryos-1546062

Who/what: This article is a response to the recent legislative change that would allow scientists in the UK to genetically modify human embryos using breakthrough CRISPR technology. Although the article takes time to appreciate the benefits of the new biotechnology, the author is extensively concerned in the ethical issues surrounding whether or not it should be used. The "object" is the article (which is one of many) as it stands as a mild protest questioning the use of gene-editing on human embryos.

Where: The central issue began when scientists in Guangzho, China reported the first efforts of human gene editing in April of 2015. Since then the UK has been the next country to ethically allow genetic modification of human embryos (Aherton).

When: The article was written on March 2nd, 2016, shortly after UK scientists were granted permission to proceed with experimentation.

Why: The article brings the ethical issue of gene-editing on human embryos to the light of the masses.  CRISPR technology is extremely young and it is difficult to understand where the technology will accelerate toward in the future. It raises questions about potential regulations, "designer babies," and eugenics.

The main identity that the article is attempting to cater to is men and women interested in the science and health realm of business. There are a vast number of other issues plaguing the UK and the rest of the world that theoretical gene-editing and "designer babies" are not necessarily at the forefront of activists' minds. This article seeks to inform and persuade influential investors about the ethical considerations surrounding companies that will inevitably use this technology while giving enough information so that the general audience that encounters the article can be well versed in the issue. Interestingly, there are no significant protest movements regarding this issue (as compared to other movements such as Black Lives Matter) so it is possible that this article may serve the purpose to hopefully ignite more general knowledge on the subject (Aherton).

Works Cited:
Atherton, Matt. "Ethics of Gene-Editing: What Is CRISPR and Should Be Be Using It to Change Embryos?"International Business Times RSS. N.p., 03 Mar. 2016. Web. 02 Sept. 2016.