Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Gene Therapy: Human Germline Genetic Modifications—Assessing the Scientific, Socioethical, and Religious Issues

Authors: Qiana L. Matthews, PhD, David T. Curiel, MD, PhD

Abstract

In this article, we will briefly discuss the scientific, socioethical, and religious implications of technologies that facilitate gene transfer, which is the enabling technology of gene therapy.1 The timeliness of this topic is predicated as a result of rapid breakthroughs in genetic research, which are facilitated by advances in molecular biology and novel reproductive technologies. This progression has advanced our understanding of how we may utilize genetic transfer, or gene therapy, to correct disease.

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