Framing and legitimating EU legal regulation of human gene-editing technologies: key facets and functions of an imaginary. Issue 2 (16th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahalatchimy, Aurélie; Lau, Pin Lean; Li, Phoebe; Flear, Mark L
• Is Part Of: Journal of law and the biosciences. Volume 8:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08-16
• Subjects: European Union -- framing -- gene editing -- imaginaries -- law -- science and technology studies; Life sciences -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Science and law -- Periodicals; Law and biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 344.0957
• DOI: 10.1093/jlb/lsaa080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-9711

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Gene-editing technologies, ie those able to make changes in the DNA of an organism, are the object of global competition and a regulatory race between countries and regions. There is an attempt to craft legal frameworks protective enough for users, but flexible enough for developers of gene-editing technologies. This article examines the imaginary built into the framing of EU-level legal regulation of human gene-editing technologies and identifies its three key related facets: the tension around naturalness; safeguarding morality and ethics; and the pursuit of medical objectives for the protection of human health. Concerns around the use of gene-editing technologies in relation to eugenics and human enhancement have produced a multifaceted imaginary. We argue that this imaginary not only places a limit on EU-level regulation, despite a strong EU competence in respect of the internal market, but also seeks to ensure its legitimation.