Chinese scientist defends help for birth of "first genetically modified child"

A Chinese scientist, who claims to have changed the genetic makeup of children for the first time in the world, defended his operation.

Speaking of the modification of human genes at the University of Hong Kong, He Jiankui said that he was "proud" of his work. "Another woman is now pregnant with a genetically modified embryo" and is in its infancy, he said.

The allegations have not been independently verified, while many scientists have condemned the work, and some have described the idea as "brutal".

This work is forbidden in most countries of the world.

The South Shenzhen Scientific and Technological University, where he works, said that she had learned nothing about the research project, saying that she would investigate the matter.

He had said earlier this week that he had modified the DNA of embryos – twins – in order to protect them from HIV infection.

He said in a video that he had removed a gene called CRC5 to make both girls resistant to HIV if they were exposed to it.

He added that his job was to have children not exposed to the disease and not to conceive children with certain characteristics such as eye color or high intelligence.

• Doubts about the announcement of the "first genetically modified baby"

His claims were sharply criticized by other scientists and one of them described this idea as "brutal".

Hundreds of Chinese scientists have also signed a message on social networks condemning this work, saying that they strongly opposed it.

"These tests are really brutal," said Julian Savolsko, professor of medical ethics at the University of Oxford. The fetus is in good health and has no known disease. "

He added: "Gene modification is still in the experimental stage and can lead to immediate or subsequent problems, including cancer."

"There are many ways to avoid AIDS, including safe sex, and there is also effective treatment if the person is infected," he said.

"Normal and healthy"

On Wednesday, Hee spoke for the first time at the University of Hong Kong about his work since the tumult that invaded him.

The two girls – called Lulu and Nana – are "born naturally and in good health," he said, noting that it was planned to follow them over the next 18 years.

He explained that eight couples – made up of parents living with HIV and mothers uninfected by the virus – had voluntarily signed this experiment before a couple's withdrawal.

He initially financed the experiment himself.

He said the study had been submitted to a scientific journal for review, without mentioning the name of the magazine.