Human germline engineering is the process by which a human being's inherited traits (or genes) are adapted. This is achieved by modifying the samples in the germ cells, for example the oocyte and the spermatogonium. Human germline engineering should not be confused with gene therapy. Gene therapy involves modifying somatic cells, which are all cells in the body that do not participate in reproduction. Although gene therapy modifies the genome of the targeted cells, these cells are not part of the germ line, so the changes are not hereditary and cannot be passed on to the next generation. This attempt was rather unsuccessful; only a small fraction of embryos successfully spliced ​​the new genetic material, and many embryos contained large numbers of random mutations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay At present, there are no successfully engineered humans, but there are many potential uses, such as treating genetic diseases and disorders. In the first published study involving human germline engineering, researchers attempted to modify the HBB gene that codes for the human β-globin protein. In an extreme case, people would be able to efficiently create the offspring they want, with the characteristics they want. Not only does human germline engineering allow for the selection of specific traits, but it also allows for the improvement of those traits. The topic of human germline engineering is a widely debated topic. Currently, 15 of 22 Western European countries have banned human germline engineering. There is currently no legislation in the United States explicitly prohibiting germline engineering. However, the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2016 prohibited the use of U.S. Food and Drug Administration funds to engage in research on human germline modifications. Ethical and Moral Debates Currently, there is much controversy surrounding human germline engineering. The scientific community and the global community are quite divided on whether or not human germline engineering should be practiced. It is currently banned in many developed countries and highly regulated in others due to ethical concerns. The great debate lies in the possibility of eugenics if human germline engineering were practiced clinically. This topic is hotly debated, as opponents of human germline editing believe it will be used to create humans with features more attractive to the naked eye. Proponents of human germline editing see it as a potential medical tool or medical cure for certain diseases written in the genetic code. There is some debate as to whether this is also morally acceptable. Although there is usually conflict between religion and science, the subject of human germline engineering has shown some unity between the two fields. Several religious positions have been published regarding human germline engineering. They say many people view germline editing as more moral than the alternative of either discarding the embryo or giving birth to a diseased human being. The main conditions for determining whether a modification is morally and ethically acceptable are the intention to.