After He Jiankui's Case: Chinese Legislative Modifications in Human Embryo Gene Editing

Hum Gene Ther. 2022 Nov;33(21-22):1121-1125. doi: 10.1089/hum.2022.031. Epub 2022 May 20.

Abstract

This article systematically discusses Chinese current legal status and rules for human embryo gene editing in both administrative law and criminal law after several legislative modifications, and further systematically evaluates the values and the defects of these modifications. After He Jiankui's case, Chinese legislators devoted themselves to improve human embryo gene editing legislation. As a result, human embryo gene editing's legal status becomes more determined. Rules for human embryo gene editing in Chinese administrative law have gradually become a complete system centering on "CBL-regulation," and the promulgation of Amendment (XI) to the Criminal Law reconciles the controversy existed in academic circles. Chinese rules for human embryo gene editing are moving from "doubtful development" to "complete legal system."

Keywords: China; He Jiankui; human embryo gene editing; legal modifications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Embryo, Mammalian*
  • Gene Editing*
  • Humans