Genetic Testing: Benefits and Burdens

4995 Words10 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Ethical issues related to genetic testing

Genetic Testing: Benefits and Burdens Thesis: The field of genetic testing is rapidly expanding. Numerous ethical issues are arising, within genetic testing, such as privacy issues, the potential of discrimination or eugenics, and how to convey the information properly. Background: Today we live in a very technologically advanced society. Scientists are continually discovering new things about the world and the way things work. "In the 1980ís, it was becoming increasingly apparent to many scientists that an understanding of basic biology would be greatly enhanced if the detailed structure of DNA was understood" (Mehlman, 1998). Thus began what has become know as The Human Genome Project which is "the mapping of all our 80,000-100,000 genes and decoding our complete DNA sequence of 3 billion base pairs" (van Ommen et al, 1999). In 1994 the Human Genome Project (HGP) created a complete map of the human genome (Mehlman, 1998). The completion of this did not mean the completion of the project by any means. A lot of work still needs to be done to identify more genetic markers. Since the start of the HGP "nearly all common genetic diseases and a large number of rarer ones have been traced back to one or more defective genes" (van Ommen et al, 1999). The completion of the HGP holds a lot of promise for the medical field. "In the distant future lies the possibility of developing specific therapies for disorders, such as cancers, upon knowing its genetic structure" (Mehlman, 1998). Diagnostics is the first area that has really benefited from the work of the HGP. With the HGP it has become easier to tell if an individual is suffering from a genetic disease or if an individualís DNA contains genetic material predisposing them o... ... middle of paper ... ...lbert, "Mastering our Gene(i)es: When Do We Say No?" Christian Century, Oct. 3 '90, Vol. 107, No. 27. van Ommen, G. J. B., E Bakker, and J T den Dunnen. "The Human Genome Project and the Future of Diagnostics, Treatment, and Prevention". Lancet , Jul 30 '99, p.354. Ward, Darrel E., "Gene Therapy: The Splice of Life." USA Today Magazine, Jan 93, Vol. 121 p. 63-66. Zimmern, R.L. "Genetic Testing: A Conceptual Exploration", Journal of Medical Ethics, Apr 99, Vol 25 p. 151-155. Web Resources: Web1: "Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis" [Online] Available: http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_pgd.htm [November 1999]. Web 2: "The implications of Genetic Testing for Employment" [Online] Available: http://www.dti.gov.uk/hgac/ [issued July 1999]. Web 3: Merriam Webster Dictionary [Online] Available: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary [1999].

Show More
Related

  • Ethical Issues Surrounding Genetic Screening and Genetic Engineering

    1918 Words  | 4 Pages

    In 1990, the first great stride of genetics took place. This was called the Human Genome Project, a large-scale operation that was designed to understand the human genome (genetic structure). Since its commencement, there have been many leaps and bounds that have taken place. For certain genetic issues that we once knew nothing about, we no...

    Read More

  • The Differences and Similarities of the Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe

    2130 Words  | 5 Pages

    While taking the class of Early Modern European History there was two states that really stuck out and peaked my interest the most. They were the Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe. If you compare and contrast both the Ottoman Empire and Early Modern Europe during the 16th Century through the 18th Century, you will see that there are a number of similarities as well as differences when you look at the expansion of the states. You will also see many of these contrasts as well when you look in terms of each states military and commerce. Although the Ottoman Empire existed before the 16th century and continued to exist past the 18th century and in great decline until the early 20th century, when looking at the state as a whole the time period of 1500’s through the 1700’s is a period of growth and strength. It is perhaps even known as a golden era for the state, when taking in to comparison the Early Modern Europeans where the same time period marks a change in how society thought and how people were treated.

    Read More

  • Charles Frazier’s Novel has Differences in Contrast to Homer’s Epic

    950 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...ily given up. Odysseus and Inman decided all their pain and suffering would be worth it if they could return home to see the faces of the ones they love.

    Read More

  • Exploring the Effects of the West on The Ottoman Empire

    1060 Words  | 3 Pages

    Unlike most “victimized” cultures of Western European domination, the Ottoman Empire was considerably successful and powerful for many years, particularly in the sixteenth and early seventeenth century under the rule of Sulayman the Magnificent (Haberman, 132). By 1520, the Ottoman Empire had secured much of the Arab Middle East, Belgrade and most of Hungary (Haberman, 132...

    Read More

  • Cracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testing

    1554 Words  | 4 Pages

    In Gattaca, the plot focuses on the ethics, the risks, and the emotional impact of genetic testing in the nearby future. The film was released in the 90s; yet in the present, the film does not give the impression of science fiction. Today, genetic testing is prevalent in many aspects of the scientific community. This paper will describe genetic testing, its purpose, diagnostic techniques that use genetic testing, relating Huntington’s disease to genetic testing, and the pros and cons of genetic testing.

    Read More

  • Pro se Litigation Needs to be Outlawed

    2260 Words  | 5 Pages

    Stienstra, Donna, Jared Batallion and Jared A. Catone. "Assistance to Pro Se Litigants in U.S. District Courts: A Report on Surveyrs of Clerks of Court and Chief Judges." 2011. fjc.gov. Web Document. 9 September 2013.

    Read More

  • Ottoman vs. Qing

    875 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hooker, Richard. "The Ottomans: The 17th and 18th Centuries." Washington State University - Pullman, Washington. 1996. Web. 06 Apr. 2011. .

    Read More

  • The Declaration of the Rights of Women

    1382 Words  | 3 Pages

    "Marie-Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Caritat, marquis de Condorcet." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2014. Web. 12 Jan. 2014. .

    Read More

  • The Ethical Issues of Genetic Testing

    1419 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...etic tests, I believe that both before and after genetic tests individuals should be required to meet with genetic counselors that help explain the test and interpret the results. Finally, although legislation preventing insurance and employment discrimination based on a person's genetic makeup already exists in many states, I think that additional laws need to be enacted that deny insurance companies and employers access to genetic information without a person's consent. As Matt Ridley (1999) states, a person's genome is his or her "own property," and people should be given complete freedom to decide to whom to disclose their genetic information (p. 269).

    Read More

  • BP Oil Spill VS. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

    863 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Exxon Valdez and the BP oil spill were caused by different disasters but had just as great of effects. On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill began to reek havoc on the Pacific Ocean. The oil tanker, Exxon Valdez, left from Valdez, Alaska and was headed for Los Angeles, California. The tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska. After six hours of being grounded, the Exxon Valdez spilled about 10.9 million gallons of oil (53 million gallons aboard). The BP oil spill occurred a little differently. On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded and caused the largest marine oil spill in history. The platform sank about 5,000 feet underwater. The BP oil spill poured 4.2 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. These oil spills are largely compared but were cause by completely different events. They had similar effects/damage, however.

    Read More

  • Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing

    1221 Words  | 3 Pages

    In today’s world, people are learning a great deal in the rapidly growing and developing fields of science and technology. Almost each day, an individual can see or hear about new discoveries and advances in these fields of study. One science that is rapidly progressing is genetic testing; a valuable science that promotes prevention efforts for genetically susceptible people and provides new strategies for disease management. Unnaturally, and morally wrong, genetic testing is a controversial science that manipulates human ethics. Although genetic testing has enormous advantages, the uncertainties of genetic testing will depreciate our quality of life, and thereby result in psychological burden, discrimination, and abortion.

    Read More

  • Innovations Needed for Deep Space Exploration

    2718 Words  | 6 Pages

    It was during this time that space travel reached its zenith. It was, for all intents and purposes, a big deal, and primarily so for three reasons. The first was the obvious: competition. Both parties were in a race to the top, and both the government and people were willing to dump exor...

    Read More

  • Genetic Interventions and the Ethics of Enhancement of Human Beings by Julian Savulescu

    3287 Words  | 7 Pages

    Savulescu, Julian. “Genetic Interventions and the Ethics of Human Beings.” Readings in the Philosophy of Technology. Ed. David Kaplan. 2nd ed. Lanham: Roman & Littlefield, 2009. 417-430.

    Read More

  • Leadership Essay

    831 Words  | 2 Pages

    At the height of its power (16th-17th century), the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents long. The Ottoman Empire controlled Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It contained twenty-nine provinces and man vassal states, some of which were later immersed into the empire, while others were allowed other types of sovereignty during the course of several centuries. The empire was at the center of interaction between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. With Constantinople as its capital city, and large control of lands around the eastern Mediterranean during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Suleiman overruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. It is remarkable that though in Turkey he is distinguished only as the law-giver (Kanuni), in European history he is known by titles such as the Magnificent. Suleiman had no noteworthy rivals and was one of the most fortunate of the sultans. From his father he inherited a well-organized army, a disciplined army, and a sufficient treasury. Being raised in such a political environment, Suleiman would grow up to be the embodiment of all the excellent qualities of his Father’s talented generals, admirals, and viziers. Suleiman was a generous man even as a child. As a young boy, he befriended Pargali Ibrahim, a slave who later became one of his most trusted advisers. Suleiman believed greatly is his cause of spreading his law based on the Islamic system of law (Sharia). Su...

    Read More

  • European Influence on the Ottoman Empire and Egypt During the 18th and Early 19th Centuries

    1084 Words  | 3 Pages

    From the 18th century through the beginning of the 19th century, European influence was a significant force in various aspects of the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and Iran. Although the reforms, coined primarily by Gelvin as “defensive developmentalism,” were initially intended to centralize governmental control and strengthen the military, the actual effects were much broader. Based on varying pre-existing conditions and unique approaches to governorship, this process of modernization affected each region differently. This essay will explore the manners in which European influence shaped each territory, the primary areas of civilization, politics and culture that experienced reform, and the degree to which that influence was significant, or in the case of Iran, insignificant.

    Read More

More about Genetic Testing: Benefits and Burdens

Open Document