December 1, 1970.

Thank you for your letter of November 23rd.

Glycogin storage disease has in fact been the subject of several
studies during the last 2U years. Vhile we can Say that we have a some-
what clearer understanding of the various forms this disease can take,,
and of the ways in which a genetic deficiency can result in the disease,
the fundamental obstacles to dealing adequately with it are more than
we know how to deal with at the present time. The most promising lead
at present would merely make it possible to diagnose the disease in
utero and allow a therapeutic abortion. When perfected, this tecnnique
would at least permit a couple to try more confidently to have a normal
child, @ consideration which for many would outweigh the scruples they
migiit have about relying upon abortion. The really satisfactory solution
to the problem is undoubtedly witiiin our reach if we can sustain the
momentum of some very exciting current research developments but it
would be cruel to suggest that we are there today.

I suspect you will already have been in touch with competent
professional advice but if you wish to discuss the possibilities of
current research in this field in more detail I suggest Chat you first
make contact with Dr. Kay C. Anderson at the Department of Pediatrics
at the University hospital in Minneapolis.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

JL/rr