Abstract
A critical analysis is undertaken of the ethical debate on two general classes of research activities that bear on the future of human gene therapy: (i) the human fetus and (ii) the preimplantation human embryo after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The conclusion is that the hope of human gene therapy and of other clinical applications of the human genome initiative is in danger because of the obstacles to research in reproductive biology and human genetics in the federal sector.
Overview summary
Controversy has surrounded human gene therapy because of the uncertain risks from the procedure and because of the question of where to draw the line between proper and improper uses of the technology. Controversy has surrounded human fetal and pre-embryo research in large part because of the link to the highly emotional issue of abortion. These two ethical debates have appeared to be quite separate. Fletcher demonstrates, however, that the fetal/embryo research controversy may directly impact on the future success of human gene therapy.
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