Ordo-Responsibility for Germline Gene Editing

The case of twins born with genes modified by He Jiankui highlights the need for international governance of germline gene editing (GGE). This article proposes a global framework that utilizes "ordo-responsibilities." This is a pragmatic ethical approach open to pluralism and grounded in principles of human dignity and human rights. Ordo-responsibility is pragmatic in (1) accepting generally available values on a global level (e.g., human dignity, human rights) and (2) seeking achievable implementation. Genetic science is practiced globally in ways that transcend borders. As such, its practice must take account of the vast complexity of cultural, ethical, legal, and anthropological convictions. Here, we explain the basic structure of an appropriate rule-finding process, outline a possible pathway toward an international framework, and discuss minimal requirements that are needed in that endeavor. We thereby contribute to the debate on how to govern genome-editing technologies and GGE globally.