What are the ethical implications of using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in gene therapy, particularly concerning genetic modifications in humans?

Using CRISPR‑Cas9 in human gene therapy raises questions about who can decide what changes are made and whether those decisions respect patients’ autonomy and informed consent. Because edits can be passed to future generations, we must consider long‑term safety, possible off‑target effects, and the risk of unintended health problems. The technology also risks widening social inequalities if only wealthy people can access germline edits, potentially creating a “designer‑baby” class. Researchers and policymakers must weigh the promise of curing disease against the moral duty to protect vulnerable populations and to avoid eugenics. For example, correcting a single gene that causes cystic fibrosis could save a life, but editing embryos could set a precedent for selecting traits beyond disease, raising ethical concerns about fairness and human diversity.