What
are some of the questions arise from the project?
Due
to the rapid advances of the Human Genome Project and its applications,
the project presents new and complex ethical and policy issues
for the people and society. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cut out 3% to 5%
of their annual budget to study these ethical, legal, and social
issues (ELSI). These ELSI programs promote education and guide
the conduct of genetic research. The following are questions
that arise from the Human Genome Project.
Who
should have access to personal genetic information, and how
will it be used?
These
included insurers, employers, courts, schools, adoption agencies,
and the military.
Who
owns and controls genetic information?
The
possession of this genetic information is still uncertain.
How
does the genetic information affect society's perceptions on
an individual?
Psychological
impact on a person with genetic defects.
Do
healthcare personnel properly counsel parents about the risks
and limitations of genetic technology?
Controversial
reproductive procedures, reproductive decision making, and
reproductive rights are still not yet complied.
How
will genetic tests be evaluated and regulated for accuracy,
reliability, and utility?
Clinical
issues such as education of general public on standards and
procedures.
Should parents have the right to have their minor children tested
for adult-onset diseases?
Uncertainties
associated with gene tests for complex conditions.
Do
people's genes make them behave in a particular way?
Can people always control their behavior?
What is considered acceptable diversity?
Philosophical
implications regarding human responsibility, free will versus
genetic determinism.
Who
owns genes and other pieces of DNA?
Property
rights and accessibility of data and materials.
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