Silicon Valley Startups Defy US Ban, Pursue Embryo Editing Overseas

As of November 2025, a growing number of Silicon Valley startups are pursuing the legally murky and ethically contentious practice of embryo editing, despite a ban in the United States. Two such companies, Preventive and Manhattan Genomics, have made headlines in recent weeks for their work in this field.

Preventive, a California-based startup backed by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has reportedly identified a couple interested in using their services. Meanwhile, Manhattan Genomics, co-founded by a former recipient of tech investor Peter Thiel's fellowship, plans to conduct its tests in Honduras.

While these startups aim to use gene-editing technology like CRISPR to prevent debilitating genetic diseases, the practice remains illegal in the US. Federal restrictions prohibit the use of federal funds for embryo editing research and the clinical approval of edited embryos. However, the startups are exploring loopholes by basing their operations overseas, where the laws are more permissive.

Experts warn that even as the industry scales and the scientific advancements progress, the risks and ethical concerns around embryo editing remain significant. There are fears that the technology could lead to unintended consequences, such as off-target effects, and that it could pave the way for a new era of eugenics, with only the wealthy able to access these services and "improve" their children.