Gene modification for future generations: AAAS report on safety, ethical and religious concerns

Washington, DC -- September 12, 2000 -- Recent advances in reproductive gene modification on animals raise the possibility that science will develop the technical capacity to genetically alter future human generations. But, according to a team of experts convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), science is ahead of public policy on this issue, a situation that has serious implications for our ability to monitor and control human genetic research.

On September 18, the AAAS will announce the findings and recommendations of a working group of 20 scientists, ethicists, theologians and policy analysts from across the country who, for more than two-and-a-half years, deliberated critical questions concerning inheritable genetic modification in humans. Questions addressed by the group in its report include:

• What are the current scientific prospects for altering gene cells that could mold future generations?

• Are we wise enough, ethical enough to know how to apply genetic modification technologies in a manner that is just and respects human dignity?

• Given the myriad of ethical concerns that gene modification raises, what, if any, types of gene modification should be encouraged and what safeguards or oversights are necessary?

WHAT: A news briefing on the AAAS panel's report, "Human Inheritable Genetic Modifications: Assessing Scientific, Ethical, Religious and Policy Issues"
WHEN: 10 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2000.
WHERE: First Amendment Room, National Press Club, 14th and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Speakers for the briefing will include:

• Robert Cook-Deegan, M.D., director of the National Cancer Policy Board, Institute of Medicine and Commission on Life Sciences, National Academy of Sciences.
• Theodore Friedmann, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and Biomedical Ethics, and director of Program in Human Gene Therapy, University of California, San Diego.
• Sondra Wheeler, Ph.D. professor of Christian Ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Mark S. Frankel, director, AAAS Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law Program, co-author of the report.
• Dr. Audrey R. Chapman, director, AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, co-author of the report.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Speakers will be available for one-on-one interviews following the news briefings. Copies of the report will be issued at the briefing. Following the briefing, the report will be available at the AAAS Website, http://www.aaas.org/spp/dspp/sfrl/germline/main.htm