Behaviour modification by genetic intervention--the law's response.

Abstract

The Human Genome Initiative has stimulated research worldwide into mankind's genetic structure. It has led to identifying and understanding the function of many genes which cause illnesses, deformities, organ malfunctions and, more recently, behavioural aberrations. The science of gene therapy has developed in tandem and has initiated therapeutic treatment by the replacement of defective genes in humans. In the legal sphere guidelines for the application of gene therapy have been recommended by the Council of Europe, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark and the United States amongst others. South Africa has adopted the guidelines of the American National Institutes of Health. It is however submitted that third world countries such as South Africa have many other more basic health care problems on which to spend their limited resources despite having the technology to practise gene therapy.