Should We Use Gene Editing to Make Better Babies?

Should We Use Gene Editing to Make Better Babies?

From Open to Debate by Open to Debate

April 23, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

The episode debates the ethical implications of using gene editing technology to create healthier babies.

Your doctor tells you that, should you wish to have a child, that child is likely also to carry the disease. But a new gene-editing technology could ensure that your baby is -- and remains -- healthy. Should you do it? Critics say the technology will exacerbate inequality and meddle in the most basic aspect of our humanity. Now, we debate: Should We Use Gene Editing to Make Better Babies? This ethical conundrum is at the crux of this week's debate, originally broadcast in February 2022. Arguing Yes: Dr. George Church, Geneticist & Founder, Personal Genome Project; Professor, Genetics, Wyss Institute and Harvard Medical School Amy Webb, Chief Executive Officer, Future Today Strategy Group; Professor, NYU Stern School of Business Arguing No: Marcy Darnovsky, Executive Director, Emerita, Center for Genetics and Society Françoise Baylis, Distinguished Research Professor, Emerita, Dalhousie University; President, Royal Society of Canada Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Join the conversation on Substack - share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube…

People in this episode

Host: John Donvan

Guests: Dr. George Church, Amy Webb, Marcy Darnovsky, Françoise Baylis

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Personal Genome Project, Future Today Strategy Group, Center for Genetics and Society, Dalhousie University, Royal Society of Canada, NYU Stern School of Business

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