Scientists want moratorium on editing of human sperm, eggs

Scientists and ethicists from seven different countries, including New Zealand are demanding a global moratorium on editing DNA in human sperm, embryos and eggs. Last year, Chinese scientist Dr Jiankui He, shocked the scientific world by announcing he had gene edited the embryos of twin girls to make them resistant to HIV using the CRISPR technique. In a piece published in the journal Nature, researchers suggest a five year ban and a new international framework to guide any future use. Science and Innovation Reporter, Charlie Dreaver spoke to local scientists about the ramifications of this technology.