Transgenerational genomics: the profession should enhance its role as advocate for the health of the next generation

Abstract

No profession should be more involved in the debate about Germline Genome Editing than the members of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives, and the practitioners of new reproductive technologies, for the safety of future generations is in their hands. After all, it is our profession which has been the guardian of the health of the next generation and should continue to be so; this can only be achieved by embracing understanding of the new genomic technologies and by becoming involved in the discussions and decisions about their implementation.