The Human Genome Project

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, when completed, the Human Genome Project (HGP) will map the 50,000-100,000 genes contained in the human DNA resulting in the single most dramatic sphere of biological research, which holds the power to change theories and assumptions in the areas of biology, psychology and medicine. The author points out that the early stages of this project already have provided important new information about human genes, resulting in ethical questions requiring carefully judgment about such issues as congenital diseases and privacy. The paper stresses that in cases of clear-cut genetic causation, such as Huntington's chorea and some types of breast cancer, medical professionals and their patients have to make some difficult decisions.

From the Paper:

"Other questions involve the right of individuals to privacy. Once we have human DNA completely mapped, will we then begin to generate detailed genetic profiles of all medical patients? If we do, is this information that can be shared with other organizations, by, for instance, hospitals? If it can be shared, insurance companies might then drop people with genes that make them prone to certain kinds of cancer, or destined to develop some genetically-driven disease such as Huntington's. In those cases, the individuals would get glimpses into their medical future whether they wanted to know what their genes reveal or not."

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