EP sets up committee on human genetics

A new temporary committee has been set up by the European Parliament to examine human genetics and other new technologies in modern medicine.

The Committee, meeting for the first time on 29-30 January, is entrusted with drawing up an inventory of all the new and potential developments in human genetics. It will examine the ethical, legal, economic and social questions posed by these new developments.

The Committe is also expected to recommend to what extent the public interest requires that restrictions be imposed on such developments.

The European Commission established a discussion platform to debate the relevance of gene information to health, environment and society in November 2000.