Genetic science has great potential for either serving or degrading humanity. Its proper use requires moral reflection and the establishment of moral limits.

There are many uses of genetic engineering, such as "somatic cell" therapy that are morally acceptable. In this instance a genetically determined malfunction in a particular kind of human body cell is corrected using genetically altered cells. The goal here is to serve human life and human dignity.

"Germ - line" therapy performed on early human embryos is more problematic because it alters the basic genetic constitution of the person and all of his or her future offspring. This type of therapy requires using reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation to produce embryos in the laboratory where they can be observed and manipulated. Here, a relationship of domination of researchers over their embryonic subjects exists which not only opens the door to new threats against life but is contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children.

Genetic screening used for the deliberate destruction of human embryos can never be justified because here we are dealing with murder.

All governments have a moral obligation to protect human life in all phases of its existence from conception to natural death.