Abstract
The sequencing of the human genome represents the most important scientific discovery of our age. What can the medical community expect from government in applying this new technology? The major government initiative, the Human Genome Project, is due to be completed in 2005, but a number of important issues remain. Genetic therapy promises to be the most significant use of the new technology, developing new drugs and treatments for the genetic components of disease. But, genetic enhancement is a controversial area involving moral, legal and ethical issues. Government policy will have to respond to this issues, as well as important developments in the private sector. Ultimately, the public good will have to be protected, as scientific discoveries advance the frontiers of medicine.
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