Genetics and Ethics: An Interdisciplinary Study

The genetics revolution that began with the discovery of DNA fifty years ago has transformed the science of biology. It has given us unprecedented power over life itself in the map of the human genome and in the ability of genetic technology to diagnose and treat diseases. Genetic breakthroughs also raise acute professional and ethical dilemmas that reflect the challenge of genetic technologies to questions about health and safety, dignity and autonomy, fairness and freedom. The sixteen original essays are a critical guide to many issues at the heart of genetics technology-and our genetics future. Drawing on a wide range of fields-from medicine and law to religion, health policy, and biotechnology-the essays cover five core topic areas. Three essays explore the legal, policy, and business dimensions of the genetics revolution, and four cover the cultural and social implications of genetics. Practical and clinical issues are also discussed, from the impact of genetics on ageing to debates surrounding pharmacogenetics, prenatal screening, and research with children. An epilogue connects ethics to debates on embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. Designed for students, teachers, clinicians, scientists, policymakers, policy analysts, and scholars, this book offers much-needed guidance for those faced with making increasingly difficult decisions about ethics and genetics.