Sir

Those of us who are concerned about the increasing incidence of biomedical discrimination and violations of medical privacy appreciate your attention to these issues (Nature 386, 533; 1997). We need, however, to deal directly with the fact that research scientists do not have an exemplary track record.

For example, recent media coverage of the Tuskegee experiment (see Nature 387, 116; 1997) serves as a reminder of why the United States had to develop the institution of Human Subjects Review Boards. Abuses of the rights of patients have contributed to the increased development of notions of appropriate informed consent.

In this regard, I believe your coverage has put too much emphasis on the needs of research scientists, while underplaying the integrity and dignity of research subjects. For example, as the increasing number of state legislative enactments protecting genetic information indicates, the donor or source of the material must have control over the sample and any access to it. As far as protecting the rights of the donor is concerned, it is immaterial whether the third party seeking access to the sample is wearing a lab coat or not.