Scientist in 'GM babies' ethical row

One of the world's leading scientists has sparked an ethical furore by calling for the law to be changed to allow the creation of genetically modified babies.

Dr James Watson, whose pioneering work into DNA won him the Nobel prize, said restrictions should be lifted so scientists can alter the genes of sperm, eggs and embryos.

Such genetic changes could, he said, wipe out inherited diseases, such as Huntingdon's disease, which progressively destroys key nerve cells.

But the U.S. scientist's remarks were condemned by medical ethic groups as 'outrageous' and 'foolish'.

They fear that altering the genes of embryos could lead to doctors 'playing God' - allowing 'designer babies' that are more intelligent, better looking and healthier than their unmodified counterparts.

In The Independent yesterday, Dr Watson wrote: 'Working intelligently and wisely to see that good genes dominate as many lives as possible is the truly moral way for us to proceed.'

Scientists are already able to screen people's DNA and warn them if they are pre-disposed to a particular disease. But altering the genes of sperm, eggs and embryos - germ-line gene therapy - is outlawed in Britain, America and many other countries.

Dr Sue Mayer, of the policy research group Genewatch, said genetically engineering babies could have 'disastrous consequences'.

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