THE MEDICINE SEIZED BY THE PRINCIPLE OF PRECAUTION

The principle of precaution first appeared about ten years ago as a ne w type of action and responsibility in the environmental domain. II pr escribes taking immediate action to avoid serious environmental conseq uences, rather than waiting for scientifically established proof of th e danger Some lawyers are now recommending that this approach be exten ded to the medical field. By recommending decisive action based on a p urely hypothetical risk it goes well beyond classic preventive measure s, which are introduced only after identification and proof risk. This new approach is presented as an added safety precaution. Radical appl ication of this concept could, however, lead to an irrational approach to health security and constitute an obstacle to technical progress. Although the legal world has already adopted this new concept it is im portant that the medical world contribute to evaluating this new stand ard.