The WHO report on `Genomics and world health` clearly and directly states that `… it would be extremely unwise for any form of `genetic medicine` to be introduced into countries in which there is a low level of knowledge about genetics among the public…`. So it is vital that all societies prepare themselves, and all sectors of society, including politicians, health care professionals, educators and the public, need to be educated about the fundamental princi- ples of genetic research, its inherent risks and the ethical is- sues that it raises. This statement requires answers on at least two main questions:
The aim of the present study is to review the literature on these two problems.
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