Deontological aspects in recombinant DNA researches

Legal problems exist in regard to patent rights for new biotechnologies. Ethical problems arise in connection with the application of the technique to patients and with the possibility to cure embryos. The potentialities of preventive medicine have affected even hiring criteria, in that individuals who present enzymic deficiencies can be considered at risk when working in contact with certain substances. For example, firms could decide not to advance certain individuals to positions of responsibility on the grounds that they present the gene of familial hypercholesterolemia. It can be anticipated that the diagnostic potentialities of the recombinant DNA technique will be applied to the evaluation of risk for the stipulation of life insurance, and that further developments, permitting to determine the genetic predisposition for most diseases, would altogether nullify the basic principles of health- and life-insurance policies. An international committee will have to discuss these issues and to formulate deontological rules to regulate both the sphere of occupation and that of insurance.