The recent development of CRISPR/Cas9 constitutes a dramatic advance in our ability to edit the human genome. Dubbed “Breakthrough of the Year” in 2015 by Science, this powerful new technology allows for targeted genetic modifications of human gametes and embryos, and is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than previous gene editing tools. Though CRISPR's therapeutic potential is vast, its potency raises profound ethical questions. How will CRISPR-based biomedical research affect human life, especially at its earliest stages? How will it affirm—or undermine—the dignity of the person? What other ethical dilemmas should be considered? In this Flourishing Society lecture, Dr. Hurlbut explored these questions and more.