Exploring the ethical implications of prenatal gene therapy
The Emergence of Prenatal Gene Therapy: An "Embedded Ethics" Ethnography investigating Clinical, Scientific and Societal Values
This study looks at how prenatal gene therapy can affect fairness and access to healthcare for expecting parents, aiming to understand the challenges and benefits of using these treatments for genetic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the ethical, legal, and social implications of prenatal gene therapy, focusing on how these treatments can impact healthcare equity and access. By examining clinical, regulatory, and societal concerns, the project aims to understand the complexities surrounding the transition from diagnosis to preventive treatment for genetic diseases. The research employs an ethnographic approach, collaborating with leading institutions to gather insights from various stakeholders involved in maternal-fetal precision medicine. This work seeks to ensure that advancements in genomic medicine are equitable and ethically sound.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include expectant parents and families with a history of genetic disorders who are considering prenatal interventions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not expecting or do not have a family history of genetic conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable access to prenatal gene therapies, improving health outcomes for future generations.
How similar studies have performed: While the ethical implications of gene therapy have been explored, this specific focus on prenatal applications is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Julia E.h. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Brown, Julia E.h.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.