E. 
NO DISCUSSION OF ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH 
A serious omission in the DEIS is the lack of a 
section discussing the ethical implications of recombinant 
DNA research. On p. 31 the DEIS admits that future discussions 
of genetic corrections of defects will require social forums 
because of the philosophical and moral problems involved. 
However, there exists an equal need for a moral and philosophical 
discussion of whether recombinant work itself should proceed. This 
research can create wholly novel organisms which cross natural 
boundaries between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The DEIS 
admits that, "it may be that specific manipulations will be 
required to permit bacteria to express information of a foreign 
DNA efficiently" (p. 22). Perhaps the fact that such a 
procedure will have to be forced by researchers represents a 
warning signal emitted by nature that such an unnatural 
activity should not occur. 
Another ethical issue not covered in the DEIS vrhich 
directly relates to the program under considerations is that of 
the public's right to protection against hazard imposed by 
their fellow citizens. I'Hiile the researchers themselves may 
voluntarily choose to expose themselves to risks by this 
research, they have no moral right to subject others to risks 
they have not agreed to accept. Assurances must be made that 
under no circumstances will people in surrounding areas be 
exposed to risks as a result of this research. 
- 20 - 
Appendix K — 100 
