GC33 Human Gene Transfer (1990H732)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this 33rd General Council direct the Division of Mission in Canada to find the means to address bioethical issues to consider immediately the following:

1. All gene transfers in humans that have even a chance of getting into reproductive cells for passage to future generations, should be prohibited;

2. A United Nations Sub-Committee must be struck as soon as possible, including members of the scientific community and laypersons, to produce guidelines and limitations which will be binding on all researchers in human gene transfer;

3. A moratorium on the presently granted applications for the first gene transfer in   humans should be declared as this work will undoubtedly be viewed as a precedent for gene therapy.

GC33 1990 ROP, p. 181