Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 is quickly becoming one of the most influential biotechnologies of the last five years. Clinical trials are soon underway to test whether CRISPR/Cas9 can edit away the genetic mutations that cause sickle cell disease (SCD). This paper will present a background on CRISPR/Cas9 and SCD, highlighting research that supports the application of CRISPR/Cas9 to SCD. While much has been written on why SCD is a good biological candidate for CRISPR/Cas9, much less has been written on the ethical implications of including SCD in CRISPR/Cas9 research. This paper will argue that there is a strong case in favor for including SCD in CRISPR/Cas9 research. The first benefit is achieving distributive justice in research. The second benefit is repairing the negative relationship between SCD patients and the health care system. The third benefit is benefit-sharing for those who do not directly participate in CRISPR/Cas9 research. Opponents will argue that SCD is a risky candidate, that researchers will not find willing participants, and that the burden of SCD is low. Of this set of arguments, the first gives pause. However, on balance, the case in favor of including SCD in CRISPR/Cas9 research is stronger than the case against. Ultimately, this paper will show that the historic and sociopolitical injustices that impede progress in treating and curing SCD can be alleviated through biotechnology.