Busquin rejects universal genetic testing for newborns in Europe
EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin has rejected several media reports claiming that he had called for genetic testing for all newborn babies in Europe. 'I have never advocated any such point of view,' said Mr Busquin on 30 June. 'It is not the role [or] the intention of the Commission to ask EU Member States to impose universal genetic screening of babies. Genetic testing is a matter of free choice and of ethical rules being decided by EU Member States. The Commission does not regulate ethics.' In December 2002, the Commission established an expert group to assess the ethical, legal and social implications of genetic testing. The group stated that: 'Genetic testing is a matter of free choice and it is never to be imposed.' The group did, however, urge policy makers to consider introducing universal neonatal screening for rare but serious diseases for which treatments are available. 'The Commission is in [particular] studying the issue of quality and reliability of this new technology, that must be used in a responsible and voluntary way and in a climate of confidence with the public at large,' Mr Busquin finished.