Discussion: Human Bioethics

Human bioethics examines the ethical questions that arise as science and technology increasingly shape human life, health, and decision-making. As breakthroughs in biology and medicine accelerate, society faces choices that extend beyond the lab into law, public policy, and everyday life.

In this Civic Discussion Meetup, we’ll explore the future of human biology. Technologies such as gene editing and therapy, IVF, embryo selection, implants, human-computer interfaces (including Neuralink, led by Elon Musk), and gender-affirming medical care are giving humans unprecedented control over their bodies and biological outcomes. These advances promise major benefits—but also raise difficult civic questions: What should be allowed or restricted? Where should regulation step in? Who gets access, and who is left out?

We’ll also examine Bryan Johnson’s longevity project (Blueprint) as a real-world case study. His use of extreme medical monitoring, experimental therapies, and wealth-enabled access highlights key bioethical tensions around enhancement vs. treatment, inequality, consent, and regulatory limits.

This discussion is science- and policy-focused, accessible, and respectful. The goal is to examine how technology, public policy, and social values intersect—and to ask how far society should go in reshaping human biology, and what responsibilities come with that power.

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Buzzwords:

• Gene Editing: Direct modification of DNA to change how genes function.
• Gene Therapy: Treating disease by altering genetic material in a patient’s cells.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Fertilizing eggs outside the body and implanting embryos.
• Embryo Selection: Choosing embryos based on genetic screening.
• Implants: Devices placed in the body to restore, enhance, or monitor function.
• Human-Computer Interfaces: Direct communication between the nervous system and computers.
• Neuralink: Elon Musk’s brain-computer implants for neurological treatment and brain-machine interaction.
• Gender-Affirming Therapy: Medical care aligning physical traits with gender identity.
• Human Enhancement: Using technology to improve abilities beyond basic health.
• Longevity Science: Research aimed at extending lifespan and healthspan.