HUMAN GENETICS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY PRIORITIESMarch 20, 2000A key role of the HGC is to promote debate, to listen and gather public and other stakeholders' views, to consider these thoroughly and to provide its expert advice. Suggested topic areas include patenting and a review of the current legal protections around the storage and use of genetic information taking account of issues such as consent, confidentiality, privacy and discrimination. Other topics include the genetic testing of children, issues relating to testing for physical and social as well as medical traits and keeping a watchful eye on potential new developments in genetic technologies, such as gene chip technology. Responses to the proposed list of priority areas are invited from interested groups and members of the public. As part of the consultation process, the HGC is to hold a public consultative meeting on 10 April 2000 to enable members of the public and other stakeholders to comment on its role and priorities and to raise issues for discussion. Tickets are available from the HGC secretariat. The Chair of the Human Genetics Commission, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, today said: "A key aim of the HGC is to act as a bridge between the public and the Government on genetics issues. We were established partly because of concerns about the lack of transparency in the way these matters were considered, and we are determined to be as open as possible in our deliberations. "As a society we must be prepared to have lively but mature debates on these fundamental developments, many of which will have immense consequence on our lives and those of our children." For a full copy of the consultation document and other information about the Human Genetics Commission, please go to the newly updated website at http://www.hgc.gov.uk Tickets for the open meeting on 10 April are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please apply to the secretariat on 0171 972 4017 or write to Human Genetics Commission, Room 401, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG. Members of the media should apply to the press office on 0171 838 4897. ENDS Human Genetics Commission |
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