Human Genetics Alert - Government is rushing into genetics

Dr David King, director of Human Genetics Alert, today said that the Genetics White Paper demonstrated the Government's bias, arguing it was rushing into genetics without ensuring the necessary ethical and social safeguards.

Dr King said: "The Government has been taken in by the hype coming from scientists and the biotechnology industry. For example, the Government wants to boost gene therapy, yet most scientists now believe its prospects are very limited."

He added: "Although the Government promises safeguards, it is so far refusing to legislate against genetic discrimination by insurers and employers. Both the public and a number of inter-governmental declarations have been demanding such legislation for several years. The proposals for protecting genetic privacy are unclear and inadequate.

"Consistent with this bias, its main effort on public awareness consists of funding the Progress Educational Trust, a body that has consistently been dedicated to advocating relaxation of regulation, and has even been equivocal on human cloning."