The debate about interventions in the human genome for non-medical purposes can be regarded as a forward-looking and currently most intensively discussed area of enhancement (see the module “Interventions in the human germline” and the “In focus" on “Genome editing in human medicine”, for an overview of the methods of genome editing, see the module “Genome editing”). Genetic enhancement refers to interventions in the human genome that aim to change, improve or maintain genetically determined characteristics in accordance with individual wishes. This allows “positive” desired characteristics to be created or “negative” undesired characteristics to be prevented or eliminated. In general, a distinction is made between somatic cell genetic engineering, which involves targeted intervention in the genetic material of somatic cells in order to change a specific characteristic in an individual, and germ cell genetic engineering, which can be used to influence the desired characteristics of progeny via the germline. Although genetic enhancement is not yet very widespread in contrast to the other areas, the rapid development of new methods enables scenarios in which changes to genetic material go beyond the treatment of diseases.

The first attempts at using gene therapy to treat diseases began in 1990, when the world's first gene therapy treatment was carried out on the then four-year-old Ashanti DeSilva, who suffered from a rare, severe immunodeficiency. In the early stages, gene therapy interventions were often accompanied by serious setbacks. The first licensed drugs were soon withdrawn from the market due to limited success (Cerepro, Glybera) and the initial euphoria surrounding new gene therapy methods quickly subsided, particularly due to the problematic medical risk-benefit ratio. Due to new improvements and developments, however, gene therapies are currently back in the spotlight as potential treatment methods, but remain the subject of much debate from an ethical and legal perspective due to the many ethical implications.