Gene-editing tools should eventually be used to modify human DNA to prevent diseases from being inherited, the US National Academy of Sciences has said, but the group warned against using such techniques to create so-called 'designer babies'.

In a much anticipated report, released by the Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governancegroup, the committee of scientists, entrepreneurs, ethicists and patient advocates advised against tools like CRISPR-Cas9 being used to make 'enhancements' to the human genome. This was, however, caveated with the statement that such enhancements shouldn't be made "at this time", suggesting there could be wiggle room in the future.

Like the recent recommendation in the UK to allow an IVF technique that replaces faulty genetic information from the mother with a third person's healthy DNA, the report advises genome editing only be used for the most serious cases, where there are no other options, and only under strict guidelines and oversight. It also repeatedly called for public engagement and consultations to be carried out when looking at extending the uses of genome editing, particularly beyond battling disease and disability.