RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Is all fair in biological warfare? The controversy over genetically engineered biological weapons JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 429 OP 432 DO 10.1136/jme.2008.028944 VO 35 IS 7 A1 Appel, J M YR 2009 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/35/7/429.abstract AB Advances in genetics may soon make possible the development of ethnic bioweapons that target specific ethnic or racial groups based upon genetic markers. While occasional published reports of such research generate public outrage, little has been written about the ethical distinction (if any) between the development of such weapons and ethnically neutral bioweapons. The purpose of this paper is to launch a debate on the subject of ethnic bioweapons before they become a scientific reality.