6 
an outgrowth of a June 1980 request to President Carter by three general 
secretaries of the three principal U.S. religions. The religious leaders 
said genetic engineering raises fundamental concerns about the nature of 
human life and the dignity and worth of the individual. They asked that 
the ethical and social implications of genetic engineering of human beings 
be evaluated. They questioned whether government oversight was adequate. 
The secretaries did not expect the private sector to resolve these types 
of problems and thought that a broader context was required than was esta- 
blished in the commercial, medical, and scientific communities. 
The President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine 
and Biomedical and Behavioral Research responded and began a study in 1980. 
The final draft of the President's Commission report was distributed at a 
hearing held by the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight of the 
Committee on Science and Technology of the United States House of Represen- 
tatives, chaired by Representative Albert Gore (D-Tenn), on November 16, 
17, and 18, 1982. Testimony was presented on the state of the art and 
concepts in genetic engineering. Most of the panelists agreed greater 
oversight was required for the ethical and social issues. Mr. Mitchell 
said Mr. Gore said that he intends to introduce legislation to create an 
independent genetic engineering commission. 
Dr. Talbot said the Public Health Service (PHS) intends to publish "Splicing 
Life" or a summary of it in the Federal Register for public ccmment. 
Mr. Mitchell then described the report, "Splicing Life." He said chapter 
one delineates general statements and concepts, describes the history of 
genetic engineering and describes RAC's role. The report acknowledges 
that no injury has occurred; rather it focuses on ethical concerns about 
specific applications. The report points out that a new tool and new 
power have been acquired. 
Mr. Mitchell said chapter two describes genetic engineering techniques 
such as cell fusion, genetic screening, gene therapy, and gene surgery. 
Chapter three discusses social and ethical issues. The chapter questions 
whether these issues can be resolved by a formula of balancing benefits 
and risks. Considerable language is devoted to the topic of "are we playing 
God," and if so, to what effect? Could this technology affect the concept 
of humanness? Could this affect concepts of self? What will be the impact 
of genetic engineering on family and parental rights? Would genetic alter- 
ation of an individual differentiate that person sufficiently to lessen 
bonds of family and kinship? Should individuals have the awesome power 
of manipulating the basic substance of life? What would be the impact on 
evolution? Would the gene pool be affected? 
Mr. Mitchell said the chapter examines the ethics of creating new life 
forms. Would this constitute an interference with nature? The spectre of 
mixing human and non-human genes is raised; it is suggested that this possi- 
bility be discussed. There are also questions raised as to the appropriate- 
ness of modifying germ cells as distinguished from somatic cell line modifi- 
cation. The consequences of genetic screening are mentioned. 
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