To ELSI or Not to ELSI Neuroscience: Lessons for Neuroethics from the Human Genome Project

Abstract

The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program of the Human Genome Project stands as a model for how to organize bioethical inquiry for a rapidly changing field. Neuroscience has experienced significant growth in recent years and there is increasing interest in organizing critical reflection on this field, as evidenced by the creation of “neuroethics.” A nascent framework for reflection on the implications of neuroscience is emerging but significant work remains, given the pace and scope of neuroscientific developments. The adoption of an ELSI program, modeled on that of the ELSI program of the Human Genome Project, promises a way for neuroscience to meet important organizational, educational, and policy objectives. Review of recent criticisms of the HGP ELSI program suggests that an ELSI program for neuroscience would face certain obstacles. Those interested in a neuroscience ELSI program will need to develop appropriate resources to overcome these obstacles.

During the preparation of this article, the author was supported by a Greenwall Foundation fellowship. Special thanks to Judy Illes, James Childress, Andrew Pope, and the Board on Health Sciences Policy at the Institute of Medicine. The views expressed by the author do not represent the views of the Board on Health Sciences Policy, its members, or the Institute of Medicine. The author is also grateful to Matthew Burstein, David Tester, and Dan O’Connor for thoughtful comments.