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 "The administration believes that altering the human germline for
clinical purposes is a line that should not be crossed at this
time," John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science
and Technology Policy, said in a statement.
The technology, which has the potential to create "designer babies,"
ignited an outcry from scientists last month when it was used in
China to alter the DNA of human embryos.
"Research along these lines raises serious and urgent questions
about the potential implications for clinical applications that
could lead to genetically altered humans," Holdren said in the
statement on the White House website.
 "The full implications of such a step could not be known until a
number of generations had inherited the genetic changes made - and
choices made in one country could affect all of us," he said.
The National Academy of Sciences said last week it would convene an
international summit this fall to explore the ethical and policy
issues associated with the research and appoint an international
committee to recommend guidelines for the technology.
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The White House supports the review, Holdren said.
(Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Bill Trott)
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