BOSTON 
WOMEN'S 
HEALTH 
BOOK 
COLLECTIVE 
15 Sept 1986 
rffcScJritxtaixKKit. 47 Nichols A 
Watertown, MA 02172 USA 
617-924-0271 
Dr. William Gartland 
Director, Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
Building 31, Rm 3B10 
NIH 
Bethesda, MD 20892 
Dear Dr. Gartland: 
We are writing to express our support for the Committee for Responsible 
Genetics proposal now before the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to 
modify section III-A-4 of the NIH guidelines. 
We'd like to emphasize the following re. human gene therapy: 
- It needs to be stated as a matter of public record that the RAC will 
not fund human germ line therapy experiments at this time. A statement 
to this effect in the "Points to Consider" section is not binding and 
therefore not adequate. 
- It is crucial to have a public education campaign that outlines in 
clear language the positions and procedures of the RAC and its working 
committees. It is also important to organize public forums on the 
ethical and social questions surrounding the use of human gene therapy. 
- There need to be more opportunities to discuss general policies about 
human gene therapy. What avenues are available at this time? 
Sincerely, 
Judy Norsigian 
Co-director 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 1 1 
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