Kent Place Bioethics Scholar Mira Lalani ’27 Publishes Research on Gene Editing

Kent Place Bioethics Scholar Mira Lalani ’27 recently had her revised research paper, “Medical Miracle or Modern Eugenics? Gene Modification in the 21st Century,” published in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship.

In her paper, Mira examines the ethical implications of gene-editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, and explores whether these scientific advancements represent a medical breakthrough or a modern continuation of eugenics. Drawing on historical examples from the United States and Nazi Germany, she considers the potential benefits of gene editing alongside concerns about reproductive autonomy, social inequality, and the long-term consequences of modifying human genes.

While acknowledging the technology’s potential to prevent hereditary diseases and reduce suffering, Mira argues that its use is not yet ethically permissible, citing insufficient regulation, uncertainty surrounding long-term effects, and the risk of deepening existing inequalities.

“We are incredibly proud of Mira for the thoughtfulness and rigor she brought to this important research. Her work reflects the kind of critical thinking and ethical inquiry we strive to foster through the Bioethics Project, and it’s wonderful to see her scholarship recognized through publication,” says Dr. Karen Rezach, Director of the Ethics Institute.

Read Mira’s full paper in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship here.