26 
C. Conclusion 
Indirect manipulation of the human gene pool has been 
occurring for quite some time through the process of "natural 
selection." Compensating for myopia with eyeglasses and the 
attendant survival of the genes responsible for this condition 
has not had a deleterious effect on the human population. 
Likewise, it is known that certain therapeutic measures 
indirectly affect the human gene pool, e.g. treatment of 
diabetes, hemophilia and certain types of congenital heart 
disease, allowing the afflicted person to reproduce. The point 
is that indirect manipulation of the gene pool currently exists 
and can be medically beneficial depending upon the environment in 
which the genetic changes occur. 
Direct manipulation of the gene pool (gene therapy) is a 
therapeutic development evolving from our knowledge and 
understanding of disease mechanisms. Genetic engineering is not a 
radical departure from previous methods of medical intervention. 
Altering or compensating for the phenotypic expression of 
diseased somatic cells is the manner in which medicine has 
proceeded from its inception. 
A clear distinction in policies concerning genetic 
engineering should be made when discussing manipulation of the 
human germ cell. Unlike somatic cell gene therapy, the use of 
genetic engineering technology to alter reproductive cells would 
constitute a definitive departure from previous therapies 
[ 627 ] 
