Scientists are constantly working to create a complete map of the human genome. Many inherited diseases can be prediagnosed through use of genetic testing. Results of genetic studies embody extremely personal information and guidelines must be created to regulate the use of such information. Unfortunately, the majority of scientists receive little to no training in ethics, consisting of hardly any genetics. Most people do not know about the possibilities of genetic testing until a family member is faced with a difficult pregnancy requiring a test. There is very little discussion in the general public of concerns and issues in genetics.
Many governments have created and funded special programs to encourage mapping and sequencing for the human genome project, and yet there is considerably less regulation of important genetic issues such as genetic discrimination.
Genetic research can be used for a variety of useful purposes, including determining the likelihood of developing diseases later in life, detecting serious diseases in newborns, testing to identify carriers of a chromosome abnormality, and prenatal testing. Although newly developed techniques are very useful, there is much debate about the ethicality of many issues surrounding this intriguing science.
I cannot begin to address all of the ethical
issues of genetics, but I have made an attempt to discuss some of the more
commonly debated ones.
| Genetic Discrimination | Impact of Knowledge | Genetic Privacy |
| Prenatal Testing | Genetic Defense | Genetics and Aging |
| Genetic Enhancement |
Human Genome Project Information
Ethics for Science Undergraduates
Genetic Counseling and Abortion