Gene Editing & Down syndrome: A lawful answer or playing God?

The world is in a spiritual battle of thinking we know God’s ways when it comes to science and life.

In early 2025, a study published in PNAS Nexus by Hashizume demonstrated a technique which would selectively eliminate the extra chromosome in Trisomy 21. The researchers were able to remove the entire chromosome while leaving the necessary pair intact. Using CRISPR-Cas9, researchers made a cut in the third copy of the 21st chromosome. Over time, the cells produced two copies rather than the three responsible for Trisomy 21. Cells were used in a culture or petri dish and many articles claimed it was to better understand why some individuals with Down syndrome are more likely to develop certain health issues.

But if we follow the pattern of history, we know this isn't the true or final intent. Jerome Lejeune thought his discovery of Trisomy 21 would lead to research and improved health for those with Down syndrome. Instead it led to genetic testing and the termination of majority of prenatal cases of Trisomy 21. While we might wear the rose-colored glasses of research being able to pinpoint why health issues are more prevalent in those with Trisomy 21, we would be lying to ourselves if we don't see the big picture of trying to eliminate Down syndrome altogether.

"History merely repeats itself, It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Many genetic focused articles mention French geneticist Jerome Lejeune making the discovery of the extra copy of chromosome 21 and how this revelation has led to therapies, interventions, and genetic testing. But many fail to acknowledge how distraught he was over learning what his discovery led to; the termination of our smallest neighbors. Lejeune wanted to believe his discovery would lead to improvements or eventually a cure, not an eradication of specific human beings.

There is a monumental part of me that believes the elimination of the extra chromosome will not be intended for a solely “good” purpose. The world is capable of sinister means and if we believe all children are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” shouldn't we be investing more time on creating a Godly driven life rather than manipulating life to man’s desire?

If you follow the world, you will lose sight of Him. God's ways are no longer aligned with our ways, or the society driven ways. Many of those in a position of power are taking God out of the equation and assigning the design for life to themselves. Euan Angus Ashley said,

“After decades of concentrated efforts, we are finally learning how to harness natural processes honed over millions of years of evolution to translate our unparalleled ability to read the genome into a new opportunity to write it and to correct the grave mistakes that turn it against us.”

The grave mistakes? I can guarantee you that majority of us living and loving someone with Down syndrome do not view their lives as a "grave mistake." I see a miracle, not a mistake. There is nothing natural about "harnessing" human life. The natural part is Trisomy 21 naturally happens. I do not claim to know God's ways but I hope His desire would never be to minimize and manipulate His life to a petri dish and allow it to be genetically played with.

So how do we handle this news as followers of Christ?

First, when we see headlines claiming “gene editing can cure/eliminate Down syndrome” we have to go into it asking “how do I approach this topic with a Christian worldview?” Do I believe correcting genetic differences to be a natural progression in science? Or do I believe a loving Father, in all his infinite wisdom, sees things I am incapable of understanding. All life, even "genetically imperfect life" is made in God's image?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Instead of "curing" or "eliminating" Down syndrome, why don't we spend our time and resources on choosing the fruits of the spirit. There is so much to love about those who may look, act and live a little differently than what is considered our usual.

And I don't see the negatives of Down syndrome mainstream media and many medical professionals are trying to present to the masses. Life expectancy has grown from the average age of 25 in 1983 to now 60 years of age. A large number of college programs offer classes and room and board to young adults diagnosed with Trisomy 21. Much of what we know about Alzheimer's comes from patients with Down syndrome and these individuals are leading to new promosing research and hope. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE project Act is being signed into law which will grant more funds for Down syndrome research.

What I do see is a deterioration of society. A society which values “self” over anything else. A society dehumanizing life and seeking a childless existence. A society which views Down syndrome as “suffering” or “a burden” when instead, living a life away from God is true suffering.

"And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9).

If you open the door to gene editing, you open the door to other possibilities. We have seen that with abortion; once touted as “safe, legal and rare” now has evolved to cases of infanticide and euthanasia of toddlers. If you justify something as “okay” do not be surprised when those with power take the opportunity to justify immoral things as “okay.”

The world is crafty; taking what sounds like a good thing but instead distorting it so it no longer reflects God. We as believers know The Truth. "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).