Commission on Human Applications of Genetic Engineering proposed 
by Senator Albert Gore and amended by Congress was vetoed by 
President Ronald Reagan as part of the NIH budget for 1985. The 
Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee Working Group on Human Gene 
Therapy has effectively addressed many important scientific and 
public health questions in the "Points to Consider" document, 
but the Working Group is not an appropriate body to address 
ethical and social concerns. 
One of the unresolved and fundamental social concerns identified 
in Splicing Life is the possible use of gene therapy for non-life- 
threatening conditions. The Report concludes that, "Interventions 
aimed at enhancing 'normal' people as opposed to remedying recognized 
genetic defects, are also problematic, especially since distinguishing 
'medical treatment' from 'nonmedical enhancement' is a very subjective 
matter" (p. 3) . The Report makes clear that such questions are of 
profound importance and interest for the public. 
The CRG Executive Council recommends that you set aside the 
"Points to Consider" document for the immediate future and establish 
a Department of Health and Human Services Commission on Human Gene 
Therapy, which is independent of the RAC and based on the criteria 
discussed in the Splicing Life report. Such a Commission should 
hold open hearings and invite public testimony from a variety of 
sources. On the basis of the information obtained from such 
hearings, the Commission should determine whether to proceed with 
human gene therapy, and, if so within what limitations. If the 
Commission decides that human somatic-cell gene therapy is appropriate, 
procedures for the design of gene therapy protocols should be 
established within the framework of the Commission's decision. 
We believe that there is a need for an independent body to 
consider the fundamental questions raised by human genetic 
engineering. The CRG considers it essential to establish 
democratic procedures to provide social guidance in this area 
of critical public concern. 
Sincerely , 
Terri Goldb^y-,, 
Executive Director 
ic: Dr. William Gartland 
Senator Albert Gore 
Congressman John D. Dingell 
[594] 
