Chiong Mary Anne D, Basas Allan A
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.
Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.
J Relig Health. 2025 Apr 16. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02318-2.
This paper examines the interplay between the sacredness of life and gene editing in the context of rare genetic diseases. Rare genetic disorders caused by gene mutations often come with limited treatment options. Gene editing techniques present a promising solution by targeting and repairing defective genes. The discussion begins with an overview of the science behind gene editing and its potential applications in treating rare diseases, highlighting three specific genetic conditions affecting Filipinos. It then explores the ethical and theological dimensions of gene editing, emphasizing the Imago Dei doctrine, which underscores human dignity and moral responsibility as well as ethical principles in light of Christian virtues. A comparative analysis between therapeutic somatic gene editing and germline editing is highlighted in the discussions. Using the See-Judge-Act framework, the paper examines the potential of gene editing through the lens of Catholic Church's teachings on human dignity and offers practical insights for applying the theological and ethical considerations in addressing the therapeutic options for rare genetic diseases righteously.
本文探讨了在罕见遗传病背景下生命神圣性与基因编辑之间的相互作用。由基因突变引起的罕见遗传疾病通常治疗选择有限。基因编辑技术通过靶向和修复缺陷基因提供了一个有前景的解决方案。讨论首先概述了基因编辑背后的科学及其在治疗罕见疾病中的潜在应用，重点介绍了影响菲律宾人的三种特定遗传疾病。然后探讨了基因编辑的伦理和神学层面，强调了“上帝形象”教义，该教义强调人类尊严和道德责任以及基于基督教美德的伦理原则。讨论中突出了治疗性体细胞基因编辑与生殖系编辑之间的比较分析。本文运用“观察-判断-行动”框架，从天主教会关于人类尊严的教义角度审视基因编辑的潜力，并为在合理解决罕见遗传病治疗选择中应用神学和伦理考量提供实用见解。
