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Should We Use Gene Editing to Make Better Babies?

April 23, 2026 · 53 min

Show notes

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

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