Genetically engineered babies: Start-up working on technology, report says

Want to see more of NewsNation? Get 24/7 fact-based news coverage with the NewsNation app or add NewsNation as a preferred source on Google !

( NewsNation ) — A Silicon Valley startup is drawing scrutiny for allegedly attempting to genetically engineer human embryos.

According to a Wall Street Journal report , the company Preventive is working toward genetically engineering its first baby and may conduct experiments overseas, in countries where the practice is legal. Preventive has denied the allegations, stating it is focused only on pre-clinical research.

Genetic modification of human embryos is illegal in the United States and many countries worldwide.

The practice gained international attention following a 2018 scandal when Chinese scientist He Jiankui was