The new human genetic technologies present a threshold challenge for humanity. If used properly they hold great promise for treating disease and alleviating suffering. If abused they could open the door to a powerful new eugenics that would objectify human life and undermine the foundations of human society.
The rapid development of these technologies has created a civil society deficit. Policy makers have not had time to understand and assess their implications. There are few broadly-based popular institutions seeking to articulate and argue for human genetics policies based on human rights, social justice and global inclusion.
In recent years advocates of a new eugenic future for humanity have become increasingly vocal and explicit. It is imperative that concerned leaders and others repudiate this vision, in no uncertain terms.
Bans on the most dangerous eugenic technologies, and regulation of other controversial technologies to prevent abuse, need not impede potentially beneficial medical research and applications.
The minimal core policies needed to protect our common human future are:
National and global bans on reproductive human cloning
National and global bans on inheritable genetic
modification
Effective, accountable regulation of all other human
genetic technologies
There is broad support for such policies: Over thirty countries have already banned human cloning and/or inheritable genetic modification. The vast majority of Americans oppose human cloning. The United Nations has initiated a process to develop a global ban on human cloning.
There is no reason that people of different nations, cultures, religions and philosophies cannot work together in support of the policies needed to protect our common human future.
More Information
Analysis:
Examine the social, cultural, and economic landscape
Perspectives:
Explore various communities' concerns regarding human genetic
technologies
Policies:
Read about existing and potential regulations
Technologies:
Learn the basic science and consider arguments for and against
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