Genome editing is a method for making specific changes to the DNA of a cell or organism. It can be used to add, remove or alter DNA in the genome. Human genome editing technologies can be used on somatic cells (non-heritable), germline cells (not for reproduction) and germline cells (for reproduction).

The recent application of tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to edit the human genome with the intention to treating or preventing disease and the gaps in our scientific understanding raise ethical issues that have highlighted the need for robust oversight in this area. Current, potential and speculative human genome editing research will go beyond national borders, as will possible societal effects. This applies equally to somatic, germline and heritable human genome editing, although the latter is generally considered to be of greater ethical concern. Therefore, governance for this technology is needed at national and transnational levels. Some of the necessary governance structures and processes already exist. These may need to be reinforced or amended; where such structures and processes are lacking, gaps need to be filled.