The field of genetics is rapidly expanding in terms of new scientific techniques as well as new ethical challenges. Genetic analysis, diagnosis and screening have become available both earlier in life, including early in the womb or even for the embryo in the laboratory dish, and simpler such as from a drop of the mother’s blood. The development of new, more accurate gene editing techniques has raised the prospects for potential medical applications to treat genetic diseases, but also heightened concerns about designer children or genetic alterations and enhancements. CLI analyzes the genetic technologies and welcomes appropriate applications to treat disease in consenting individuals. However, CLI has advocated for responsible application of genetic screening and engineering, so that the science is not abused for eugenic or life-destroying ends.

Charlotte Lozier Institute Responds to Claim that Aborted Baby Parts Are Needed to Develop COVID-19 Treatment

Charlotte Lozier Institute | March 19, 2020.

Washington, D.C. – In response to news reports claiming that potential treatments for coronavirus will not be discovered unless the body parts of aborted children are used in experiments, the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI) issued the following comment: “Those who advocate experimentation using body parts harvested from aborted children are shamelessly exploiting the coronavirus pandemic, […]

Lozier Institute on Gene-Editing: Focus on Helping Patients, Not Creating Designer Babies

Charlotte Lozier Institute | August 28, 2019.

As the scientific community weighs the risks and rewards of CRISPR, a controversial gene-editing tool, scientists in New York City are moving forward with experiments changing DNA on human sperm. In response to these new germline (heritable) experiments and the broader conversation surrounding CRISPR, Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the research and education arm of Susan B. […]

CLI Announces New Senior Fellow and Director of Life Sciences

Katey Price | April 15, 2019.

Today, the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the education and research arm of national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List), announced that associate scholar Tara Sander Lee, Ph.D. will transition to a larger role as CLI’s Senior Fellow and Director of Life Sciences. CLI president Charles A. “Chuck” Donovan, said: “During […]

CLI Scientists Respond to Letter on Genetically Modified Children: Not Enough

Charlotte Lozier Institute | March 14, 2019.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2019 Contact: Nicole Stacy, nstacy@sbalist.org, 202-223-8073 Washington, D.C. – Yesterday 18 scientists representing seven countries published a letter calling for a “global moratorium on all clinical uses of human germline editing — that is, changing heritable DNA (in sperm, eggs or embryos) to make genetically modified children.” Charlotte Lozier […]

The Future of IVF’s Genetic Testing?

Private: Caroline Funk | December 8, 2017.

In opening scenes of the sci-fi thriller Gattaca, the viewer meets a couple who decides to conceive their second child by In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which has become the “natural” method in this futuristic society. They are told by the scientist who created, screened, and edited the DNA of their embryos, “This child is still […]

Adult Stem Cells and Gene Therapy Save a Young Boy

David Prentice, Ph.D. | November 16, 2017.

When people talk about something that “saved their skin,” they usually mean that it helped them out of a difficult situation. But a young boy in Germany has literally had his skin—and his life—saved through the use of genetically-engineered adult stem cells. The boy suffered from a condition called junctional epidermolysis bullosa, a severe and […]

Fact Sheet: Responses Regarding Poor Prenatal Diagnosis

Charlotte Lozier Institute | September 28, 2017.

This fact sheet outlines the various responses to a “poor prenatal diagnosis” for a fetal abnormality, noting especially recent medical advances well as the life-affirming option for perinatal hospice.

Minnesota Funds Progress through Adult & Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Eugene C. Tarne | September 27, 2017.

The third and most recent round of grants awarded earlier this year for stem cell research by the state of Minnesota tracks a pattern established with the two earlier rounds of grants: a noticeable lack of support for human embryonic stem cell research.

Seeking Pro-life Leadership at the National Institutes of Health

David Prentice, Ph.D. | September 21, 2017.

In a recent op-ed, Dr. David Prentice and Congressman Jim Banks argue that it’s time for a change in leadership at the National Institutes of Health: Dr. Francis Collins has not shown any pro-life leadership at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In fact, in an interview, Dr. Collins‘ response to a congressional letter outlining pro-life members’ […]

Gene Editing: Charlotte Lozier Institute Articles and Op-Eds

Charlotte Lozier Institute | August 18, 2017.

The following are selected articles authored or co-authored by Charlotte Lozier Institute staff on issues involving gene editing.

Q&A with the Scholars: Science, Ethics, and Fetal Tissue

Charlotte Lozier Institute | April 12, 2017.

Tara Sander Lee, Ph.D., is a Molecular and Cell Biologist with over 15 years of experience in academic research and healthcare. In this interview, she discusses genetic testing for diagnosis and treatment of children and the ethical and scientific issues surrounding the use of fetal tissue procured from abortion for research.

Oklahoma Considers Law Protecting Disabled Babies from Abortion

Tim Bradley | March 28, 2017.

March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day. Fitting, then, that on the same day Oklahoma’s House of Representatives passed its Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2017.

Q&A with the Scholars: Down Syndrome and Prenatal Testing

Charlotte Lozier Institute | January 16, 2017.

I believe that the decision to abort is responsible for far more sadness and family difficulties than the acceptance of a child with Down syndrome who truly does bring a family’s capacity for love to a whole new level.

CLI Vice Pres. Dr. Prentice on Gene-Editing: “Let Congress Know to Take It Slow”

David Prentice, Ph.D. | December 28, 2016.

On December 28, 2016, CLI’s Vice President and Research Director, Dr. David Prentice, co-authored an op-ed with Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess (R-Tex.) on the ethical and unethical uses of human gene editing, especially in light of the advent of the CRISPR-Cas System.

CLI Comment on NIH Proposal to Fund Human-Animal Chimeras

David Prentice, Ph.D. | September 7, 2016.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proposed lifting a ban on approval and funding for the creation of human-animal chimeras. CLI submitted detailed comments regarding the science and ethics of such research, opposing the NIH proposal and noting ethical and scientifically valid alternatives exist to satisfy scientific demands.

Nature Journal on Embryo Gene Manipulation: “It’s Time to Give Patients a Voice”

Genevieve Plaster, M.A. | February 29, 2016.

As the international debate continues on the use of CRISPR gene-manipulating technology on human embryos, Nature journal this week gave serious consideration to concerns about its societal consequences. In a news feature entitled, “Should you edit your child’s genes?” author Erika Check Hayden takes a refreshingly humane approach by asking people with disabilities what they think of the real-life prospect of “editing out” genes responsible for disability before a person is even born.

CLI Vice Pres. Dr. Prentice on Human Embryo Genetic Manipulation: “Modest but Meaningful Protection”

David Prentice, Ph.D. | December 17, 2015.

On December 17, 2015, Townhall published an op-ed by CLI Vice President Dr. David Prentice on the only new pro-life item in the federal Omnibus funding bill. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) proposed language to the bill to prevent the approval of the creation or use of genetically-manipulated human embryos in a clinical setting.

“3-Parent Embryos” and “Gene-Edited Babies”: A Visual Aid

David Prentice, Ph.D. | June 26, 2015.

As both international and national debates continue over the ethics and science of “three-parent embryos” and “genetically modified embryos”, Dr. David A. Prentice, Ph.D. of the Charlotte Lozier Institute has prepared a series of visual primers for the general public, illustrating the various methods by which germline genetic engineering is used to create genetically modified human embryos.

Testimony of David A. Prentice, Ph.D. before Institute of Medicine on Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy and 3-Parent Embryos

David Prentice, Ph.D. | May 19, 2015.

On May 19, 2015, Dr. David A. Prentice delivered the following testimony before the Institute of Medicine to address the ethical and social issues raised by proposed mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) techniques.

Written Testimony of David A. Prentice, Ph.D. in Support of Ohio’s Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act

David Prentice, Ph.D. | May 19, 2015.

In this testimony, Dr. David Prentice, Vice President and Research Director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, testifies in support of Ohio’s HB 135, which would provide necessary, distinct protections for developing human beings, preventing discrimination based on genetics or disability.

North Carolina Eugenics Victims Still Seeking Justice due to Compensation Technicality

Genevieve Plaster, M.A. | May 4, 2015.

Debra Blackmon was 13 years old when two social workers visited her home in North Carolina, assessed her to be “severely retarded,” and put in motion the process for her sterilization. The year was 1972. Though the state passed a law in 2013 to compensate victims of involuntary sterilization under the North Carolina Eugenics Board, Blackmon was denied because her paperwork stated that she was sterilized under county authority – not state authority, a technicality written into the law.

Written Testimony of David A. Prentice, Ph.D. in Support of Indiana’s SB 334

David Prentice, Ph.D. | February 18, 2015.

The written testimony of David A. Prentice, Ph. D., the Vice President and Research Director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute before the Indiana Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services in support of SB 334. This bill would prohibit abortion based on sex or disability.

Brave New Britain: The U.K. Approves Production of Three-Parent Embryos

David Prentice, Ph.D. | February 3, 2015.

The concept of “designer babies” may sound like science fiction, a literal Brave New World, but it is decidedly not fictional – it is here now and being pushed rapidly into fertility clinics.

After only a brief debate today in the House of Commons, British Members of Parliament (MPs) approved a proposal to create genetically-engineered babies who contain the DNA of three parents: two mums and a dad. The vote to approve wasn’t even close – 382 ayes to 128 noes.

Ohio Passes Down Syndrome Bill Requiring Healthcare Professionals to Provide Support Information to Parents

Genevieve Plaster, M.A. | December 23, 2014.

On December 19, Ohio passed the Down Syndrome Information Act, which requires medical professionals to distribute up-to-date, evidence-based information on Down syndrome to parents who receive the diagnosis, either prenatally or after birth, that their child has Down syndrome (DS). Included in the required material is contact information for support organizations and local resources available to the parents. The Down Syndrome Information Act (Sub. HB 552), sponsored by Rep. Peter Stautberg, was signed into law along with 39 other pieces of legislation by Governor John Kasich last Friday. The bill passed the House and Senate both times with no opposing votes this November and mid-December.

Non-invasive Prenatal Screening Expands Disability Discrimination Abortion

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | December 18, 2014.

A recent report on prenatal genetic screening from the New England Center for Investigative Reporting has caused quite a stir. The report showed significant inaccuracies in non-invasive (i.e., using blood tests and not invasive means such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis) prenatal screening and told the stories of a number of women who chose to terminate based on these inaccurate test results. The report, which is the result of a three-month investigation by the group, found that prenatal testing companies are overselling the accuracy of their screening tests and doing little to inform parents and doctors of the major risk of unreliability of these test results – a circumstance that can lead to a multitude of problems.

The United Kingdom’s Rubicon on Three-Parent Embryos

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | October 15, 2014.

Later this month, leading scientists from around the world are set to caution a UK parliamentary inquiry against the creation of babies using the genetic material of three parents. On October 22, this group will warn the inquiry against such genetic engineering and the possible scientific and ethical problems it could bring.

Pennsylvania Latest State to Offer Positive Information on Down Syndrome

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | July 31, 2014.

The month of July marked a step forward for people with Down syndrome as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed into law the Down Syndrome Prenatal Education Act, also known as Chloe’s Law, which will make sure parents are given the information and support they need to understand their child’s diagnosis.

Improving Joyful Lives: Society’s Response to Difference and Disability

Charlotte Lozier Institute | June 1, 2014.

This paper looks at the highly complex genetic condition that is Down syndrome and society’s response to individuals with this condition. This important paper points out that while research to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome has progressed, federal funding for it lags considerably behind that for other genetic disorders. Policy recommendations are made for the support of those with this condition and their families.

Cloning is Cloning is Cloning

Eugene C. Tarne | June 1, 2014.

This primer on cloning examines the nature and purpose of human cloning in light of recent developments in stem cell technology. The paper points out that all cloning is reproductive and reflects on the immediate outcome of human cloning – a human embryo – while examining the terminology used by cloning advocates to obscure the facts.

Eugenics Compensation Bill Offers Hope to Virginia Victims

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | March 6, 2014.

When Virginian E. Lewis Reynolds was a child, he was hit on the head in a tragic accident that resulted in epileptic-like convulsions that lingered for years. Mr. Reynolds ultimately did manage to overcome this affliction and he was able to enlist in the Marine Corps where he served in Korea and Vietnam in the […]

Victims of NC Eugenics Program to Receive Compensation At Last

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | August 5, 2013.

Despite signals earlier this year that the State of North Carolina would once again not include plans compensation for the victims of the state’s infamous eugenics programs in the state’s budget, it seems that those who suffered forcible or coerced sterilization at the hands of the state will see some restitution after all as North […]

The Science and Politics of Cloning: What the News Was All About

Maureen Condic, Ph.D. | May 1, 2013.

In this paper, Dr. Maureen Condic of the University of Utah explains the derivation of human stem cells from cloned human embryos. Dr. Condic discuss the science and politics behind cloning and why this method is unlikely to ever be the preferred tool of regenerative medicine.

UK Government Panel Approves Genetically Engineered “Three-Parent” Embryos

Eugene C. Tarne, Private: Jennifer Lahl, R.N., M.A. | April 2, 2013.

Great Britain’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which oversees fertility treatments and embryo research in that nation, recently approved fertility procedures that would amount to the genetic engineering of children through cloning (nuclear transfer) technology and germ-line modification, resulting in a “three-parent embryo” that would have genetic material from two mothers and one father.

Possible Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Blood-Disorders in Down Syndrome

Eugene C. Tarne | November 29, 2012.

A recent study from researchers at the University of Washington announced a major step forward in the treatment of genetic diseases and specifically in treating Down syndrome patients. Down syndrome occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 (hence its alternative name, Trisomy 21) in the individual’s genetic makeup, causing the physical and mental […]

Justice for Eugenics Victims in North Carolina

Nora Sullivan, M.P.A | April 19, 2012.

The state of North Carolina has now identified more than 100 victims of their massive state-sponsored eugenics program which lasted from 1929 to 1974 according to reports out recently. In an effort to compensate for the wrongs of the past, Demoicratic Gov. Bev Perdue established the N.C. Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation. The foundation seeks to provide justice […]

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