[Ethical aspects in gene therapy]

Gene technology including gene therapy represents the most controversial subject in natural sciences or medicine and is discussed quite emotionally not only by the general public but also by persons within the medical profession. The ethical concerns with respect to gene therapy are complex and multifaceted. Besides categorical arguments, purely pragmatic ones are raised against this new medical procedure. Ethical aspects, primarily related to somatic gene therapy, will be evaluated in this paper from the point of view of a physician.