my of Science was created to look into the consequences of releasing rDNA engineered organisms into the environment. The committee concluded that "there is no evidence that unique hazards exist either in the use of rDNA technique or in the transfer of genes between unrelated organisms," and that, "the risks associated with the introduction of rDNA engineered organisms are the same kind as those associated with the introduction of unmodified organisms" (“Speaking the Language of Recombinant DNA”). However, John Fagan, a professor of molecular biology at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, is highly concerned about the fact that very little is known about the long-term effects of the existence of genetically engineered organisms in the environment (“Speaking the Language of Recombinant DNA”). To make known his concern, he returned approximately $614,000 in grant money to the National Institutes of Health. His underlying concern is that an engineering mishap with devastating effects does not occur as a result of carelessness and or lack of precaution. Because of these and other concerns about the use of gene therapy, it has been necessary to create public policies to deal with these issues. The debate over how to regulate research and development in this area has been ongoing since the advent of rDNA technology in the early 1970's. Important issues concerning decision-making and regulation of research were addressed at the now famous Asilomar Conference held in 1975. This conference, which involved mostly molecular biologists, the press, and some government officials, set the tone for dealing with rDNA public policy issues. The major concern at the time was the possible health risks to researchers and the public at large. Many people were also concerned about the possible environmental effects. These concerns are normal and even expected with the advent of new technology; however, there existed t...
