S3 - E1 - Dr. Françoise Baylis - The Ethical Implications of CRISPR and Beyond
Photo credits: Nick Pearce
Welcome to the latest episode of MindUnplugged Show, where we delve into the fascinating world of CRISPR technology with the renowned bioethicist Dr. Françoise Baylis.
About the Guest:
Dr. Françoise Baylis is a philosopher and a leading voice in bioethics, pushing the boundaries of the field, challenging us to think deeply about the intersection of health, science, and biotechnology. Her innovative research focuses on human genome modification, assisted human reproduction, research involving women, and COVID-19. Dr. Baylis brings her ethical sensibility, theory, and common sense to a wide range of public issues. She is the author of Altered Inheritance: CRISPR and the Ethics of Human Genome Editing and has served on numerous international committees and boards, including the WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing. Join us as we explore Dr. Baylis's ground-breaking work and discuss the future of bioethics in the age of rapid scientific advancement.
In regard to her achievements, Dr. Baylis is a Distinguished Research Professor Emerita at Dalhousie University and a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the International Science Council. In 2022, she was awarded the Killam Prize for the Humanities and the Platinum Jubilee Medal, adding to her long list of prestigious awards and recognitions.
About the Episode:
CRISPR has revolutionized the field of genetics, allowing us to insert, edit and delete genes and potentially eradicate genetic diseases. But with great power comes great responsibility, and Dr. Baylis brings a critical lens to the ethical implications of this technology.
Dr. Baylis is the author of the acclaimed book Altered Inheritance: CRISPR and the Ethics of Human Genome Editing. In this book, Dr. Baylis explores the ethical implications of CRISPR technology in depth, considering the potential uses and abuses of genome editing in the context of social justice, human dignity, and the common good.
Join us as we explore the promises and perils of CRISPR, from the potential for designer babies to the implications for marginalized communities. Dr. Baylis will also discuss the need for ethical frameworks to guide the use of CRISPR, and the importance of engaging with the public to ensure that this technology is used in ways that align with our values and priorities as a society and humanity.
Drawing on her expertise in bioethics, she offers a thoughtful and thought-provoking analysis of the ethical challenges that CRISPR presents and proposes a framework for responsible use of this powerful technology.
Whether you're a scientist, a policymaker, or simply interested in the ethical questions raised by CRISPR, this podcast is not to be missed. So tune in to hear Dr. Baylis's insights on one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of our time.
NOTE: Dr. Baylis has advised us that in our recording she erred in her comments about the legal case involving her mother Gloria Baylis — Her Majesty the Queen v. Hilton of Canada Ltd. The case was settled in 1977, as stated, but the final decision was by the Court of Appeal of Quebec. Dr. Baylis incorrectly referred to this as the Superior Court of Quebec. More information is available at the following link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Baylis.
Learn more about Dr. Baylis’ work:
https://www.francoisebaylis.ca
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoise-baylis-3611b419
Purchase “Altered Inheritance”: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674976719
PS. Hey there!
Love our podcast? You can now support us on Patreon! As a patron, you'll help us keep the show going and get access to exclusive bonus content. Every little bit helps, so head over to our Patreon page and check out the different contribution levels. Thanks for being a part of our community and for your support!
Show Links & Support:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3obV6Vs
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3UDu99i
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3UHbWrA
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mindunpluggedshow/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/mindunplugged
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindunplugged.show/
Website: www.mindunplugged.show/
