Inheritable genetic modification
Inheritable genetic modification (IGM) means modifying the genes passed on to future generations. Although it is commonly used in experimentation with animals, IGM has not been attempted with humans. It would allow the creation and transmission of novel phenotypic traits, and would be by far the most consequential type of human genetic modification.
Many countries have adopted policies prohibiting IGM. Many more, however, have no policies in place addressing this practice.
Table: National policies
The Table shows policies currently in effect regarding the use of inheritable genetic modification.
Key
- PROHIBITED: This practice is prohibited by national law or policies having the force of law.
- regulated: This practice is allowed and regulated by national law or policies having the force of law.
- permitted: This practice is allowed by national law or policies having the force of law, but is not regulated.
- no policy: This practice is not addressed by national law or policies having the force of law.
- ?: It is unknown whether this practice is addressed by national law or policies having the force of law.
Note: The categories defined in the key and used in the table characterize the polices in any given country in a broad manner. Consult the page for each country for more detailed accounts of current policies.
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