WERE OFF TO SEE THE GENOME

We discuss some societal and legal ramifications of the human genetics revolution. Our reflections were stimulated by discussions among scie ntists, citizens and legal experts at a large public symposium. We out line key issues regarding oversight of genetic research on human subje cts, banking of DNA data by governments and corporations, the potentia l impact of behavioural genetics and effects upon racial and racist th inking. We contend that, in some cases, well-intentioned but naive eff orts to protect the rights of individuals and groups may hurt everyone by blocking the progress of useful research.