Part 6/10:
On the other hand, Zayner advocates for responsible access, proposing that immediate risk should be balanced against the long-term benefits of democratizing technology. He draws an analogy with roads—rules, stop signs, and guard rails—implying regulation can guide safe use rather than prohibit innovation altogether.
Ethical and Safety Concerns: The Broader Context
The controversy extends beyond individual experimentation. Ethical questions arise about modifying human embryos, as seen in earlier cases like the infamous 2018 Chinese experiment where scientist He Jiankui edited the genomes of twin girls to resist HIV. While legally forbidden in the US and many countries, such practices in China highlighted the lack of international consensus and regulatory frameworks.