Prominent Stem Cell Researcher Opposes Three-Parent Embryo Technique

Paul Knoepfler is a stem cell researcher in California. His work focuses on the reasons pluripotent stem cells (both induced and embryonic) form tumors. He is also a writer and a blogger which is unusual for a research scientist. Knoepfler does not oppose embryonic stem cell research or therapeutic cloning, but he does oppose the three-parent embryo technique also called mitochondrial replacement. On a recent blog about three-parent babies at the New York Times, Knoepfler wrote this comment:I'm a stem cell researcher and one of the more vocal opponents of this technology....It comes down to 2 key issues for me.First, I don't believe that we have discussed the ethical and societal implications of human genetic modification sufficiently to move forward with actually doing this in people. It's a big deal and could be a first step toward eugenics as well.Second, evidence suggests if we do this kind of embryo tinkering that inevitably there will be children born with chromosomal defects, developmental problems, and other issues that we just cannot predict. We also have no idea what this might mean for future generations.Paul KnoepflerAssociate ProfessorUC Davis School of MedicineDr. Knoepfler is correct. We have not truly discussed the implications of this procedure or how it will lead us further down the eugenics road we are already on. Make no mistake, this technique does not just screen out embryos, it engineers them. Also, such an invasive intervention on the egg (or embryo) m...
Source: Mary Meets Dolly - Category: Geneticists and Genetics Commentators Tags: Reproductive Technologies Source Type: blogs