| Gene
Ethics Charter
Discussion
group - read / post messages on human cloning etc
"I have no further comment to make about the
identity of the British scientist who confessed to me that he had
cloned human embryos, speculating that they might one day be useful
for developing spare parts.
"The conversation is described in "The Genetic
Revolution.
Full
text of The Genetic Revolution - by Dr Patrick Dixon
"The embryos all died at an early stage. Similar
work has been conducted since by American embryologists. The conversation
was private and confidential, I gave my word I would not disclose
his identity before he was willing to talk, and keeping my word
is a matter of integrity however much I may disagree with what he
was doing. The circumstances and nature of the conversation left
me in no doubt that he was telling me the truth. The conversation
took place prior to the process becoming illegal.
"We need to see this scientist's claim in context.
Animal cloning has been going on for over thirty years and making
new animals with new genes is also now quite routine, with over
80,000 transgenic animals born in UK laboratories every year, some
containing human genes.
"Cloning is just one example of the great power
of gene technology, a technology we urgently need to treat or cure
diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer or AIDS, and
to help feed the growing world population. However gene technology
raises urgent questions of safety and ethics.
"For example, we now have the ability to make
viruses in the laboratory which could turn out to be even more dangerous
than HIV. In recent experiments we have seen how unexpected mutations
can occur.
"We urgently need a Gene Charter so that much-needed
research can continue with proper safeguards. Such a charter will
need adoption throughout the EC and by other nations to be effective.
A Gene Charter The full text of
this charter is to be found in "The Genetic Revolution"
published by Kingsway. The Gene Charter was the subject of Early
Day Motion 2057 in the House of Commons, signed by MPs from all
Parties.
1. Testing of all new foods by law.
2. Labelling of new foods "Containing products
of gene technology" so consumers can choose.
3. Heavy penalties for unapproved environmental release
of genetically modified organisms, whether accidental or deliberate,
without having to prove damage or negligence.
4. Permits required in advance for all virus modifications,
particularly where these viruses are being used to infect animal,
plant or human cells.
5. Ban on further biological warfare research.
6. Ban on attempts to alter human cells where the
effects could be passed on to future generations.
7. Limits on genetic screening a) ban on selective
destruction of embryos or foetuses without desired genetic characteristics
in the normal range. b) gene screening of adults and children only
where benefit to the individual and at person's/guardian's request.
c) ban on human cloning. d) gene therapy regulated with long term
monitoring by an independent body, and only offered to those with
serious genetic disease.
8. Restrictions on the amount of human genetic code
given to an animal and care for animal welfare so new breeds are
healthy by constitution.
9. Public access to and ownership of information,
with representation on important committees. Public registers of
gene modifications in progress. Patents should not be given for
sections of normal human genes, nor for human beings, nor for genetically
altered animals or plants. Single cell organisms such as insulin
producing bacteria should have patent protection.
10. Submission of gene activity to ethical review
respecting the need to safeguard the future of our world and the
uniqueness of human life. Some parts of this charter are already
covered by existing UK legislation, or by voluntary agreements which
need tightening.
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