A San Francisco startup called Preventive is working on creating genetically engineered babies, backed by notable figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Coinbase co-founder Brian Armstrong. The company aims to edit embryos to prevent hereditary diseases. Reports indicate they have identified a couple with a genetic condition willing to participate in this groundbreaking project, which could lead to a biological first in reproductive genetics. Only one instance of genetically engineered children has been documented. In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced he had modified embryos to create three children immune to HIV. His actions were controversial and illegal under Chinese law, resulting in a three-year prison sentence. Although he claims the children are healthy, their identities remain undisclosed. The actions of Preventive and its high-profile backers raise ethical questions about the future of genetic engineering in humans, especially given the risks and the implications of altering human embryos.