Historically, people formulate Bills of Rights to restrain violations of fundamental values. The manipulation of genes is creating unprecedented risks. We can scarcely begin to imagine the changes that can be wrought by biotechnology. Already biotechnology is altering how people relate to one another. We are not prepared for the ethical dilemmas posed by cloning, germline manipulation, and organ farming, just a few of the goals of genetic engineers. We are even less prepared for the new diseases and mistakes these techniques may well create. Genetically engineered organisms released into the environment can destabilize delicate ecological balances. The effects of such genetic disruption are intrinsically unpredictable. In short, genetic engineering far outstrips our thinking and our social institutions, gallops ahead of genuine scientific understanding, and creates a mass of unknowns in its wake.

Enthusiastic promoters of this technology fail to acknowledge how little is known about complex systems, both human and ecological. They have embarked upon a reckless adventure tampering with human genetics and the environment. Their rush to market tramples even modest efforts to assess consequences. Regulatory agencies have not moved aggressively to protect public health and safety. It is public pressure that has brought these issues to the citizenry. What is needed are scientific efforts that would regenerate the soil and give us a healthier agriculture, promote human wellbeing and advance social justice. Public demand for genuine debate and real alternatives is growing.

This Genetic Bill of Rights encompasses a broad range of profound concerns engendered by the genetic revolution, and is offered as a framework for establishing appropriate public standards and limits for biotechnology. The technical capacity to manipulate genes does not mean that this is the right thing to do. “Can” does not imply “ought.” The normative questions belong to everyone.