The role of human genetics in society: implications for legal involvement

The tools and techniques of human genetics are very much part of medicine in the 1990s and beyond. Man's motivation for self improvement has been an integral part of his make-up since time immemorial. The human desire for preserving the fittest and weeding out the worst remains the same since stone-age man practised castration, coitus interruptus, mechanical contraception, urethral surgery, abortion, infanticide, infant cannibalism, delayed lactation and geronticide. During the intervening centuries there have been scores of attempts to develop dream states; at forced mass migration, or to protect social order by casting out the unwanted under various guises. For the first time we are catching a glimpse of the possibility of significantly altering our genetic constitution, supplying us with the tools to realize very deep seated instincts, but without adequate knowledge of all the dangers. It is foreseen that the law has an important contribution in maintaining the balance between seemingly conflicting interests of the individual, the community, the state and genetic research scientists. There is a need for pro-active involvement in the author's opinion.