A Japanese government life ethics research panel has approved the gene modification of fertilised human eggs to prevent genetic diseases . However , it says that for safety and ethical reasons it does not allow gene - modified eggs to be delivered to a womb for birth . If the research reaches the stage of practical use, regulating gene manipulation will likely prove to be the next big hurdle. Research into correcting genetic defects with this method could begin in Japan . The country ’s health and education ministries have been asked to verify studies . Genome editing has already been carried out on human eggs in the US , China and other countries with half those studies being to prevent disease .
A Japanese government life ethics research panel has approved the gene modification of fertilised human eggs to prevent genetic diseases . However , it says that for safety and ethical reasons it does not allow gene - modified eggs to be delivered to a womb for birth . Research into correcting genetic defects with this method could begin in Japan . The country ’s health and education ministries have been asked to verify studies . Genome editing has already been carried out on human eggs in the US , China and other countries with half those studies being to prevent disease .