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Where are going genetics and human rights in new millenium?

Since its onset in 1990, the Human Genome Project has allocated 3-5% of its annual budget to study the ethical, legal and social implication of genomic information. Today, 13 years later the draft sequencing of the human genome has already led to discoveries about some of genetic factors contributing to some common diseases like asthma, diabetes, Parkinson's or heart diseases. By 2010 we might be able to learn our genetic susceptibility to these disorders, allowing for design of individualized preventive medicine through medical surveillance, life-style changes etc. However, people have started by fear of misuse of our genetic information. Will this information make us vulnerable to discrimination by employers and insurance companies? What about our privacy in the era of computers? Are we aware of extent of use of genetic information for nonmedical purposes? Have we forgot "scientific justification" of eugenics for killing millions during Holocaust? Can we remember the use of "genetic science" in the USA in the early 1900s to explain "genetic inferiority" of ethnic, racial and economically disadvantaged groups as the rational for passing lows restricting their immigration into USA, or promoting their sterilization? The promise of genetic technologies lies in the future. It is impossible to pedict the magnitude of the potential problem from our present experience. To protect people we would need: 1. Individual choice and autonomy in genetic counseling and genetic testing with emphasis on informed consent ; 2. Legislation that addresses genetic discrimination and privacy in both the insurance and employment context ; 3. Public education concerning human genetics.

Human Genome Project ; genetic information ; misuse ; informed consent

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