Document Type
Essay
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
Gene editing has been a hot topic of interest in the field of science, and many gene editing solutions for heritable diseases are in the works. In most cases, gene editing is done with good intentions, but there are some instances where it would not be favorable for reasons that may not be inherently obvious to everyone. Several forms of deafness and hearing loss can be inherited, meaning that it can be passed down from parent to offspring. Curing hereditary deafness using gene editing may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to unintentional discrimination and further stigmatization of the Deaf community. As a person who is hard of hearing, this is particularly important to me. Therefore, I will discuss in depth the implications of using gene editing techniques to cure hereditary deafness as well as alternatives for what can be done for the Deaf community and those who are hard of hearing.
Recommended Citation
Borie, Jasmine, "The Ethics of Gene Editing Hereditary Deafness" (2025). Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics. 32.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/ethics_essay/32
Comments
Second prize winner.