The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a global registry of human gene-editing research and stricter oversight. The UNESCO International Bioethics Committee has recommended a moratorium on germline editing. In the United States germline editing is not explicitly banned but is heavily restricted. Federal funds cannot be used for germline editing research, and the FDA is prohibited from approving clinical trials involving heritable genetic modifications. Many European countries have laws prohibiting germline editing. The Oviedo Convention explicitly bans heritable genome editing. In China, after the controversial case of He Jiankui (who created the first gene-edited babies in 2018), China introduced stricter regulations and penalties for unauthorized gene-editing experiments. The UK allows gene editing in embryos for research purposes but prohibits implantation of edited embryos. In 2023, the UK approved CRISPR-based therapies for treating blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, marking a significant step forward for somatic gene editing. The International Summit on Human Genome Editing continues to debate the ethical and scientific implications of germline editing, with many experts calling for a cautious approach. Australia maintains a ban on germline editing, with strict penalties for violations. However, in 2023, the Australian government began reviewing its gene-editing laws to potentially allow somatic cell editing for therapeutic purposes. 167