China to tighten rules on gene editing in humans โ Nature
What happened: Chinaโs health ministry has introduced draft regulations in response to international condemnation of He Jiankuiโs announcement that he genetically modified two viable human embryos. While existing regulations already prohibit the editing of human embryos that will eventually be brought to term, the new rules would punish rogue scientists by making it more difficult for them to secure grants. The draft regulations also outline how criminal charges might be filed against scientists who use these technologies in ways that violate state law.
Why itโs important: Following news that the government might have been involved in funding parts of Heโs experiment, these draft regulations serve as a statement to the international community that China does not officially condone unethical scientific behavior. They also encourage Chinese researchers and institutions to be responsible in the name of meaningful progress. While some believe such regulations could slow the rate of breakthroughs, according to Jonathan Kimmelman of McGill University, they have the potential to establish โa solid foundation for more sustained and long-term-oriented research activities.โ