It’. French Anderson 
be no attempt to manipulate, for other than therapeutic reasons, the 
genetic framework (i.c., the genome) of human beings. 
CONCLUSION 
In summary, somatic cell gene therapy for human genetic disease 
should be possible in the very near future. The scientific basis on 
which this new therapeutic approach is founded has been thoroughly 
documented in a number of publications, as has the ethical justifica- 
tion for its use. Germ line gene therapy is still in the future, but the 
technical ability to carry it out will almost certainly be developed. 
Society must determine if this therapeutic option should be used. 
Enhancement genetic engineering should also be possible and its 
medical and disturbing ethical implications need continuing dis- 
cussion. Eugenic genetic engineering, on the other hand, is purely 
theoretical and will, from a practical standpoint, be impossible for 
the foreseeable future. The topic is valuable for reflective thinking 
but not for scientific discussion. 
Many of the fears generated by some articles in the popular press 
that discuss 'gene therapy* or ‘genetic engineering’ are simply un- 
founded. Insertion of single functional genes should soon become 
possible, but claims that new organs, designed personalities, master 
races, or Frankenstein monsters will be created can be given no 
credence in the light of what is presently known. Even so, we should 
be concerned about the possibility that genetic engineering might be 
misused in the future. The best insurance against possible abuse is a 
well-informed public. Gene therapy has the potential for producing 
tremendous good by reducing the suffering and death caused by 
genetic diseases. We can look forward to the day when, with proper 
safeguards imposed by society, this powerful new therapeutic pro- 
cedure is available. 
REFERENCES 
Anderson, W. F. : 1982, in Hearings on Human Genetic Engineering Before the 
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight of the Committee on Science 
and Technology, 97th Cong. 2d sess.. No. 170 (Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C., 1982), pp. 285-292. 
Anderson, W. F.: 1984, ‘Prospects for human gene therapy’, Science 226, 401 — 
409. 
Anderson, W. F. and Fletcher. J. C.: 1980, ‘Gene therapy in human beings: 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 12 
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