Dr. William J. Gartland, Jr. 
National Institutes of Health 
October 12, 1984 
Page Two 
undergone a quantum jump in the last 15 years with the refinement of various 
genetic techniques, including recombinant DNA. Only recently have experiments 
involving the transfer of genetic information to mammalian germ line cells been 
conducted. These experiments offer scientists a tool for looking at some of 
the ways in which genes are regulated and expressed, and also offer embryolo- 
gists a new method for studying cell development. It would be unwise for such 
avenues of research to be closed off since they appear poised to present man- 
kind with valuable knowledge and benefits. 
Requests such as the one in question have the serious consequence of 
undermining substantial portions of basic research, since one cannot predict 
the course of scientific experimentation or the mechanisms by which discoveries 
might be made. Therefore, significant demonstrated or at least apparent danger 
should be necessary to justify the drastic restrictions that the petition seeks. 
The petition, however, offers only vague, unsupported assertions of inappropri- 
ateness. On the question of moral considerations, it fails to even note that 
the recent President's Commission report probing societal issues expressly con- 
sidered such experimentation and did not oppose it. The issues raised are not 
novel; they have been previously discussed by RAC and noted by other govern- 
mental oversight groups, and are now likely to receive continuing attention. 
Thus, it is not that moral considerations are being ignored. Rather, there 
have been no compelling scientific or societal reasons presented so far which 
would make the petition's request a reasonable one. 
The request also calls for the protection of germ line cells in nonmam- 
malian species, yet it is even less clear how such cells are allegedly endan- 
gered by genetic technologies. Conventional plant breeding practices involve 
the modification of genetic material from numerous organisms. New hybrid 
plants are produced for agricultural purposes each year without damaging the 
genetic diversity of existing plants. The protection of genetic diversity has 
been encouraged by the agricultural community so that basic crop plants can 
continue to be improved. Advances in plant molecular biology offer a new mech- 
anism by which genetic diversity can be used to increase agricultural benefits 
to society, and should be encouraged. 
In sum, the petition seeks to impede socially and commercially valuable 
research for reasons that are fundamentally unsound, and we feel strongly that 
it should be rejected. We appreciate the opportunity to express these views, 
and would be pleased to assist the NIH/RAC with further consideration of the 
issues raised herein. 
HSP/ag 
Enclosure 
Sincerely , 
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