Embryo selection, gene editing, and the person-affecting principle

Abstract

This article examines the ethical implications of embryo selection (ES) and gene editing (GE) in reproductive medicine through the lens of Pummer's Person-Affecting View (PAV). I argue that even if the edited embryo is not numerically identical to the unedited one, GE may still be ethically preferable to ES in certain scenarios. PAV assesses the moral permissibility of an action based on the balance of requiring reasons against and permitting reasons for it, from the perspective of particular individuals. I apply PAV to ES/GE decisions, considering the expected happiness and suffering of potential future children. The permissibility of ES or GE depends on the nature of the genetic disorder and the balance of expected happiness and suffering in each case.

Keywords: embryo selection; gene editing; the person‐affecting principle.