Chinese scientists have genetically modified human embryos for the first time, prompting calls for a worldwide ban on the practice. The researchers, at Sun Yat-sen University, modified genes responsible for the fatal blood disorder thalassemia in “non-viable” embryos that were later destroyed. Their work was only partly successful, and caused unexpected mutations in other genes.

At least four teams in China are thought to be trying to modify genes in embryos, and is seems that the Chinese government has no problem with it.  Clearly, it has so far been proven to be unsafe, and I think it is unethical.  I have no problem with abortion if the baby is shown to be suffering from an incurable disease, the result of rape, or will be unwanted and unloved.  But playing around with an embryo when doing so has side-effects we don’t expect or understand, then throwing away the embryo when your idea doesn’t work, goes way goes too far, even for me.  I seek support for this attitude from the point of view of the Epicurean ideal of moderation.  This Chinese effort is neither moderate, nor does it show any concern for other living creatures.  How far would they go?  (information fromThe Week May 2 2015)