The sequencing of the human genome, the identification of genes influencing disease and the ever-increasing availability of genetic tests illustrate why ethical discussion in genetics and clinical practice is becoming even more important.

While genetics offers many opportunities for understanding human health, research should not proceed unchecked. We should all feel empowered, not restricted by genetic information.

London IDEAS worked to address a number of the ethical issues raised by genetic technology, by launching a clinical ethics support service in London, providing resources and running workshops. Why not try the Ethics Toolkit, which provides a practical introduction to methods involved in ethical analysis.

On Friday 26 September 2003, London IDEAS hosted a one-day workshop entitled "Genetics, Ethnicity and Clinical Medicine".  The workshop explored the ethical and social issues which arise in delivering genetics services to diverse populations.  Abstracts and presentations from the workshop are available.