title: Controversies in research ethics affecting the future of human gene therapy.
abstract: A critical analysis is undertaken of the ethical debate on two general classes of research activities that bear on the future of human gene therapy: (i) the human fetus and (ii) the preimplantation human embryo after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The conclusion is that the hope of human gene therapy and of other clinical applications of the human genome initiative is in danger because of the obstacles to research in reproductive biology and human genetics in the federal sector.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Ethics and Religious Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Fletcher
mesh_terms: D037881:Aborted Fetus; D026683:Advisory Committees; D035843:Biomedical Research; D028661:Complicity; D033041:Embryo Research; D047108:Embryonic Development; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D035082:Federal Government; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D033042:Fetal Research; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012106:Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological