In a newly published interdisciplinary study, scholars from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) demonstrate how modern science and Catholic ethics can harmoniously converge to bring hope to Filipino families affected by rare genetic diseases.
Published in the Journal of Religion and Health, a Q1 Scopus-indexed journal under Springer Nature, the paper titled “Theological and Ethical Perspectives on Gene Editing and the Sanctity of Life” delves into the medical potential and moral considerations of gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. These tools offer promising treatment avenues for rare conditions prevalent in the Philippines, such as Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Hunter Syndrome.
Authored by Dr. Mary Anne Chiong (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery) and Dr. Allan Basas (Institute of Religion), the study begins with a clear and accessible overview of gene editing, presenting its transformative capabilities in combating these genetic disorders. The researchers used the three aforementioned diseases as case studies to highlight the real-world implications of scientific innovation in a local context.
But the paper goes beyond biology. Rooted in the Catholic doctrine of Imago Dei—the belief that every human is made in the image of God—the authors explore the ethical and theological implications of gene editing. They draw a firm distinction between somatic gene editing, which targets individual patients for therapeutic purposes, and germline editing, which alters DNA in a way that can be passed to future generations—raising complex moral questions.
Utilizing the See-Judge-Act framework, a staple of Catholic social teaching, the study provides a structured ethical evaluation of gene editing in light of Church doctrine on human dignity. It calls for thoughtful application of science that not only heals but honors the sacredness of life. The authors emphasize that while gene editing holds immense medical promise, it also carries a profound ethical duty. Science, they argue, must always remain grounded in faith and directed toward the service of human dignity and the common good.
In a nation where disparities in healthcare are significant and religion plays a central societal role, the study calls for a united effort among government leaders, healthcare professionals, and faith communities. Strengthening the implementation of the Rare Disease Act and ethically guided investments in gene therapy could revolutionize care for the most vulnerable members of society. Ultimately, this paper is more than a scientific exploration—it’s a moral call to action. It asks us to consider how we care for those most in need, with compassion, justice, and an unwavering commitment to life.
