Deaf people not included in gene editing talk

Tom Lichy from the British Deaf Association says many people do not want gene editing for problems that are not dangerous.

Published 15 July 2026 117 words
SCIENCE A1
Deaf people not included in gene editing talk

Some people are worried about how gene editing is used. Gene editing can change how people are born. Scientists think changing genes to stop sickness is a good idea.

Most people in the UK think gene editing is okay for very bad sicknesses. But they do not want it for problems like deafness. Deafness is not a dangerous problem.

Recently, a new treatment for deafness was approved in the US. Information about these new treatments is not easy for deaf people to understand. This means important decisions could be made without deaf people having a say. It is important to include everyone when talking about these new ideas.

Vocabulary

gene editing — A way to change the parts of a living thing that make it who it is.
sickness — Being unwell or having an illness.
dangerous — Likely to cause harm or injury.
treatment — A way to cure or help a sick person.
decision — Choosing to do something.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is gene editing?
  2. Why are some people worried about gene editing?
  3. Why is it important to include deaf people in these talks?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

Read the original article