[from the AMA Morning Rounds]

Gene editing is inexpensive, simple and becoming more widely used in clinical applications. One example is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing, which is an efficient tool to introduce changes in DNA. Germline editing promises efficiency in eradicating many diseases, but ethical and legal questions persist about unknown, transgenerational and global consequences.

The December issue of the AMA Journal of Ethics® (@JournalofEthics) features numerous perspectives on governing human genome editing and gives you an opportunity to earn CME credit. 

Articles include: 

“How Should Physicians Respond When They Learn Patients Are Using Unapproved Gene Editing Interventions?” Responding to patients violating U.S. health commerce regulations can be critical when they buy and use unproven interventions. 

“Using the 4-S Framework to Guide Conversations With Patients About CRISPR.” Empathic communication skills help motivate understanding of safety, significance of harms, impact on succeeding generations, and social consequences. 

“What Should Clinicians Do to Engage the Public About Gene Editing?” Clinicians should have a working understanding of gene editing, controversy surrounding its use, and its far-reaching clinical and ethical implications. 

“How Should ‘CRISPRed’ Babies Be Monitored Over Their Life Course to Promote Health Equity?” Transnational monitoring efforts should focus on safety, defining standard of care, and promoting just access to innovation.