ABSTRACT
This chapter covers a number of topics in relation to ethics and gene therapy. An initial explanation of genetics and how gene therapy works are given, followed by an overview of some ethical theories. The chapter continues with an analysis of some ethical issues with respect to research, therapy itself and commercialisation. Gene therapy involves the use of genetic engineering techniques in order to alter or replace defective genes in the human genome. The large majority of gene therapy techniques that are currently being used and developed are for somatic cell therapy. Developing somatic cell genetic therapies to treat life-threatening diseases seems to be becoming ethically acceptable. An issue that is allied to gene therapy is that of genetic testing. This is a more developed field than gene therapy with a number of tests already available to either identify an individual as a carrier or as a sufferer, for example tests for Tay-Sachs and Hodgkinson's.
