Transcript SBI4U1_03_01_Ethical Issues in Genetics (1)

Ethical Issues in
Molecular Genetics
Journal Entry
Reflect on the ethical, social,
political, economic, environmental and legal
issues of DNA research and associated
technologies, on both local and global scales.
Stem Cells
WATCH
THIS!!!
Stem Cell Research
“The primary ethical issue at the heart of
debates over hES research revolves
around the moral status of the embryo.”
Stem Cell Network, Canada
Is an embryo a person, or a collection of
cells?
Stem Cell Research
• Therapies derived from stem cell
research will benefit all countries.
• Poorer countries may not be able to
implement these therapies.
• It is a global responsibility to ensure the
benefits reach as many people as
possible.
Stem Cell Network, Canada
WATCH
THIS!!!
Human Cloning
• Variety of reasons for human cloning:
– Reproductive - to create a child (infertility).
– Therapeutic - to treat degenerative diseases
• Many feel it is morally wrong.
Health Canada
Human Cloning
• No one can create a human clone.
• Human clone - embryo with a diploid set
of chromosomes obtained from any
human, fetus or embryo, living or dead
• Essentially bans reproductive and
therapeutic cloning
Assisted Human Reproduction Act, AHR
Canada
Gene Patenting
Gene Patenting
• Myriad Genetics owns patent on BRCA
genes.
– Only this company can test these genes or
develop new tests.
• $3000/test and no second opinion.
Public Patent Foundation
WATCH THIS!!! and THIS!!! And THIS!!!
DNA Fingerprinting
In 2007, a judge in the UK argued that the
entire UK population and every visitor to
Britain should be put in the national
DNA database.
Health Canada Regulations
on GMOs
• Voluntary positive ("does contain") and
voluntary negative ("does not contain")
labeling is permitted.
• Claims must be factual and not
misleading or deceptive.
DNA and Privacy
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination
Act (GINA):
– Prohibits discrimination on the basis of
genetic information with respect to health
insurance and employment.
WATCH THIS!!!
Debate
• Should genetic information be used by
insurance companies?
• 5 perspectives
– Prime Minister
– Doctors
– Scientists
– The People
– Insurance Companies
Interesting Links
• http://www.biotechethicsblog.com/
• http://www.humgen.org/int/