Genetic editing of human embryos could permanently and irreversibly alter the human species, warns a team of 150 experts from around the globe. The experts believe that a worldwide ban on genetic editing of embryos should be implemented before its too late.

The warning has come ahead of the three-day summit on the implications of gene editing. The summit, which has just convened in Washington, focuses on the application of a new technique called CRISPR.

CSIPR technique allows the code of life to be manipulated in a cheap and flexible way. The technique exploits a natural process used by bacteria to defend itself against viral attack. The Washington Post reports that the technique allows scientists to modify or alter specific genes in plants and animals, making them heritable at the same time.

While the technique can have a varied degree of applications in developing gene therapies for certain dangerous and life-threatening diseases, it could also have devastating results. Bioethicists argue that altering the genome of complex organisms can result in undesirable consequences.

A number of experts from University of London, Kings College London and Newcastle University have urged to put a ban on the technique before it is used to produce genetically modified humans or designer babies.

“Experiments could lead to miscarriage, maternal injury and stillbirth. Genetically modified children who seem healthy at birth could develop serious problems later in life. We must not engineer the genes we pass on to our descendants,” said Dr Michael Antoniou of the Kings College London, reports The Telegraph.

Gene editing has already been used in the past to design therapies for treatment of specific diseases. Earlier in 2015, a team of Chinese researchers conducted embryo experiments that involved genes that could be passed on to the next generation. However, the team used defective embryos to avoid any ethical debate.

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