ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the state of applications in human genetic intervention and presents some attention to reproductive techniques with potential genetic applications. It aims to provide a well-balanced and realistic assessment of the status of human genetic intervention techniques. The most advanced state of genetic technology application is in the area of genetic screening and prenatal diagnosis. Due to the increasing use of amniocentesis and the attention it evokes from critics of genetic intervention, there is a tendency by some to equate prenatal diagnosis with the amniocentesis/abortion sequence. Mass genetic screening, whether through amniocentesis, carrier testing, or neonatal tests, remains controversial. Cloning is a process through which the original nucleus of an egg with its genetic code is removed and replaced with a nucleus from a body cell. A common form of genetic intervention in a variety of cultures, practiced by law or custom, is the prohibition of consanguineous marriages.
