Altering the human genome : mapping the genome editing regulatory system in South Africa
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies using genome editing technologies,
such as CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionising the way in which
diseases can be prevented and treated in the future.
Consequently, a global debate has emerged around the ethical
and legal implications relating to the use of such technology in
research, therapy, and human reproduction. This has brought to
the forefront questions regarding the extent to which current
policies respond to these issues. In this article we provide a
"map" of South African policy relating to genome editing, and
illustrate how current ethical guidelines and law regulate its use.
We find that the South African legal and policy framework is
marred with inconsistencies and incompleteness, and that an
opportunity exists for the normative and regulatory framework
governing this field of research and therapeutic application in
South Africa to be reviewed and reformed. In this article we
present certain recommendations – with the goal of informing
and supporting health policy and decision-making regarding the
regulation of genome editing in South Africa. We suggest that by
adopting a pragmatic regulatory approach such
recommendations serve to address public concern, reflect
appropriate international perspectives, and provide a firm
foundation for the development of genome editing regulation in
South Africa.
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- PER: 2021 Volume 24 [71]