There is world-wide recognition that the ethical problems presented by somatic cell therapy are not fundamentally different from those presented by other research techniques. The principal problems in somatic cell therapy involve adequate supervision both of the safety of research practices in laboratories, and of the decision to initiate human trials and methods for securing full information from them. Research protocols need interdisciplinary review with particular diligence, and a careful impartial weighing of risks and benefits. Experimental subjects need both full and fair explanation of the procedures, and honest information about the relative balance between research interest and therapeutic prospects. It will of course be necessary to define what is meant by a serious disease.
Enhancements are problematic but ubiquitous in human society.
It may, however, be appropriate to speak out against any possible use of such procedures to diminish human capacities. An issue that must be addressed is the fair distribution of resources, especially between the North and South. As with all technologies, however, costs drop the more widespread the use. Given the present state of knowledge, it is impossible to determine whether and to what extent gene therapy applications most relevant in the developing world can be practised there at reasonable expense, within a reasonable time. Application to germline gene intervention All major statements about germline intervention condemn its present use, and the prohibition is a matter of formal legislation in some nations.