Human evolution

Thus far, human evolution has largely been directed by forces of natural selection. With germline gene editing (e.g. CRISPR), humans may play a greater role in artificially determining the course of our evolution. For example, we may be able to delete single-gene diseases like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia (imagine having the power to delete these diseases from your child’s life), and maybe even make aesthetic choices like eye color and hair type. However, this kind of gene editing is currently heavily regulated due to various ethical issues. For example, who gets to take advantage of this biotechnology? Everyone? Only those who can pay for it? Should it be required by the government, potentially to ease the burden of future healthcare costs? In light of this: If safely done (i.e., with no unintended harmful health effects), do you think we should move forward with germline gene editing? Why or why not? How do you envision germline gene editing affecting future human evolution? How would this change human societies?