The Human genome project and genetic research: what are the implications for ethics and equity?

Abstract

The Human Genome Project and related genetic research are exciting scientific quests that are also giving rise to significant ethical dilemmas and equity considerations. These include: the question of where to draw the line, e.g. is research on human cloning ethical, privacy of genetic and medical records, genetic discrimination, implications for public health programmes, unequal access to new but expensive therapeutic interventions, ‘playing God’, and patenting and commercialization of genetic material (including those obtained surreptitiously from Third World countries by individuals and multinational corporations from developed countries). The Human Genome Project is an example of technological progress threatening to outpace the adjustment ability of existing socioeconomic institutions. It has also given rise to the need to rethink the relationship between advances in the biomedical sciences and equity issues.