South African health authorities have dropped a controversial section on heritable human genome editing (HHGE) from the country’s ethics guidelines after backlash from scientists who warned it could open the door to so-called “designer babies.”
HHGE refers to making genetic changes to sperm, eggs, or embryos that can be passed down to future generations.
The Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) confirmed that the latest version of the National Health Research Ethics Council’s (NHREC) 2024 guidelines no longer includes the HHGE section. Instead, it now calls for wider consultation, stating that more engagement is needed to guide future updates.
South Africa’s laws already ban reproductive manipulation of human embryos and gametes. However, when the original guidelines were published in May 2024, experts raised concerns that the wording was unclear, contradictory, and could create loopholes. Some parts even seemed to suggest that HHGE could be allowed under certain conditions, despite the legal ban.
The issue sparked widespread debate. In December 2024, more than 120 scientists and ethics experts gathered at a landmark meeting hosted by SASHG to voice their concerns. The guidelines also drew criticism internationally.
By removing the section, the NHREC has signaled a more careful and consultative approach. The SASHG welcomed the move, calling it a responsible step toward ensuring that future policies are guided by science, ethics, and broad public discussion.
SASHG chair Lisa Roberts thanked experts who first raised the alarm and described the withdrawal as a “measured and appropriate response” to the complexity of genome editing. She said the society would continue to support the NHREC to make sure future rules protect scientific integrity, human rights, and public trust.
