On November 26th, People's Daily published a report on "The world's first genetically edited baby with AIDS is born in China." According to reports, He Jiankui, a scientist from Shenzhen, China, announced the day before the 2nd International Human Genome Editors Summit that a pair of genetically edited babies named Lulu and Nana were born healthily in China in November. The genes of the twins have been modified to make them naturally resistant to AIDS after birth. This is the world's first genetically edited baby that is immune to AIDS.

The publication of the "Genetic Editing Baby" incident has aroused widespread concern in the academic community and society, and has led to legal and ethical disputes. On the 29th, the heads of the three departments of the National Health Committee, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the China Science and Technology Association accepted an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

National Health Commission: resolutely investigate the violations of laws and regulations

Zeng Yixin, deputy director of the National Health Commission, said in the interview that we always pay attention to and maintain the people's health rights, and scientific research and medical activities must be carried out in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and ethical guidelines.

Ministry of Science and Technology: The relevant units have been requested to suspend the research of relevant personnel

Xu Nanping, deputy director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said in the interview that the clinical operation of human embryos genetic editing for reproductive purposes is banned in China. The genetically edited baby incident reported in the media is a flagrant violation of relevant national laws and regulations and break the bottom line of academic ethics. It is shocking and unacceptable and we firmly oppose it.

China Association for Science and Technology: Cancellation of He Jiankui's 15th "China Youth Science and Technology Award"

Huai Jinpeng, party secretary and executive vice chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, said in the interview that the nature of the incident was extremely bad and seriously damaged the image and interests of the Chinese scientific and technological community. It will further increase the education of scientific ethics for the scientific and technological circles, and cancel his qualification of the 15th "China Youth Science and Technology Award".

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Time: 2018.11.30