Commission invites discussion on the future of genetics in reproduction
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《英国医生杂志》
A UK-wide discussion on the impact of genetic testing on people having children and its social implications was launched last week.
The Human Genetics Commission hopes that its document Choosing the Future: Genetics and Reproductive Decision Making will provide a platform for wide public debate that will inform advice to ministers on what limits to set around genetic testing.
The document draws on the opinions of many of the 100 members on the commission抯 consultative panel—many of whom are affected by genetic disorders—on the issues surrounding genetic testing and so called designer babies.
The commission hopes that these opinions, together with background information about the history of genetics, prenatal screening, diagnostic and genetic services, and potential changes in the future, will stimulate debate among the wider public.
Since 2001 an estimated 45 babies have been born after preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis. But advances in technology have led to many unrealistic speculations about what might be possible in the near future, indicating a need for public education, said Professor Martin Richards, joint chair of the working group behind the consultation and professor of family research at Cambridge University.
The commission is hoping in particular for an informed discussion on questions such as whether parents should have unlimited choices about what genetic disorders a baby can be tested for during pregnancy and what obligations the public has for future generations, especially those who might be affected by inherited genetic disorders.
Helena Kennedy, chairwoman of the commission, said: "While developments in genetics mean we can know more now than ever before about ourselves and the genetic make-up of our potential children, many are concerned about the impact of this on society and on the meaning and value we give human life. At the heart of the issue is do we, as a society, strike a balance between individual needs and wants, the wider social consequences of the decisions we make."
The document will be distributed to interested parties as well as to faith groups and women抯 groups around the country; public debates and smaller discussions will follow.
Professor Richards said: "We are trying to be very realistic and look to see what is likely to happen over the next five to 10 years, so we can begin to consider some of the social and ethical issues that may arise."
The consultation is open until 15 October 2004, and the commission hopes to report to parliament in autumn 2005.(London Zosia Kmietowicz)
The Human Genetics Commission hopes that its document Choosing the Future: Genetics and Reproductive Decision Making will provide a platform for wide public debate that will inform advice to ministers on what limits to set around genetic testing.
The document draws on the opinions of many of the 100 members on the commission抯 consultative panel—many of whom are affected by genetic disorders—on the issues surrounding genetic testing and so called designer babies.
The commission hopes that these opinions, together with background information about the history of genetics, prenatal screening, diagnostic and genetic services, and potential changes in the future, will stimulate debate among the wider public.
Since 2001 an estimated 45 babies have been born after preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis. But advances in technology have led to many unrealistic speculations about what might be possible in the near future, indicating a need for public education, said Professor Martin Richards, joint chair of the working group behind the consultation and professor of family research at Cambridge University.
The commission is hoping in particular for an informed discussion on questions such as whether parents should have unlimited choices about what genetic disorders a baby can be tested for during pregnancy and what obligations the public has for future generations, especially those who might be affected by inherited genetic disorders.
Helena Kennedy, chairwoman of the commission, said: "While developments in genetics mean we can know more now than ever before about ourselves and the genetic make-up of our potential children, many are concerned about the impact of this on society and on the meaning and value we give human life. At the heart of the issue is do we, as a society, strike a balance between individual needs and wants, the wider social consequences of the decisions we make."
The document will be distributed to interested parties as well as to faith groups and women抯 groups around the country; public debates and smaller discussions will follow.
Professor Richards said: "We are trying to be very realistic and look to see what is likely to happen over the next five to 10 years, so we can begin to consider some of the social and ethical issues that may arise."
The consultation is open until 15 October 2004, and the commission hopes to report to parliament in autumn 2005.(London Zosia Kmietowicz)