The Human Genome Project

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The Human Genome Project will create more harm than good for Human Welfare.


‘Doctors will be able to spot genetic mutation that signal the approach not only of rare hereditary diseases, but also the common killers, including breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes- and defeat them.’ (Collins 14). Geneticists have set the date for this breakthrough at 10 years. We are noe at the stage where we have almost finished completely mapping the Human Genome. But what is the Human Genome, and why is it expected to revolutionise the medicine and health industries? And if this Project can eradicate incurable diseases, then how can anyone suggest that it is more harm than good? That is the topic for this essay, which will look at both arguments and make an informed opinion on the topic.


Michael Walthous of the Wall Street Journal defines the Genome as ‘the collection of all hundred thousand or so human genes that make up the blueprint for human life.’ Cells use genes to make the chemical proteins that carry out the moment to moment functions of our lives. Geneticists working in the Project believe that by mapping these chemical proteins, how they work, and the genes that make them work, that they will understand the basic underlying cause of all disease on the planet. Recent Drug creations target specifically these chemical proteins that are produced by our genes, hoping to isolate them, and therefore the disease or virus. Scientists believe that the first solid benefits we will see is in Cancers, so that the new drugs they create will block the chemical processes involved with stimulating the growth of tumours and cancers, thus removing the threat of these diseases. This means that this new research has the potential to save the lives of millions of people every year. This makes the HGP extremely valid purely for its lifesaving potential.


There are, however many scientists and citizens who believe that while there is good to be achieved from the Human Genome Project, it also could be used for other sinister means. These include


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1. The construction of DNA databases on individuals or communities for the use of police, employers, insurance companies and governments. (Saunders 17)


. Parents being able to create babies with increased intelligence, physical capabilities or more attractive features, effectively creating a super human. This issue has been correlated with the Nazi Regime’s attempts to create a Master Race in the 10’s and 40’s, by mating select SS troops with buxom blonde German women.


. Geneticists may introduce harmful transmissible genes which promote cancer or other diseases as well as the production of genetically modified bacteria or viruses which are resistant to antibiotics or are particularly virulent for use in biological warfare.


4. Organ factories producing cloned organs for transplant (eg growing headless humanoids etc) (Saunders, 17)


Issues Raised by the Genome Project


1. The construction of DNA databases on individuals or communities for the use of police, employers, insurance companies and governments.


Many studies on the issues raised by the HGP shed concerns upon the impact it would have on the accessibility of Insurance. In 14, insurance companies were already canceling insurance policies due to genetic tests. What would stop these companies accessing our DNA files, and determining when we would contract cancer or other hereditary diseases? ‘All insurance is based on the premise that the future is unpredictable. Life insurance, income protection, critical illness, long-term care and private medical insurance are policies bought precisely because we do not know when we are going to die or become seriously ill, and want to protect ourselves. So if medical technology advances to a stage where the onset of illness can be forecast in advance, it will have a profound effect on insurance.’ (The Times, 8/1/00) This raises the questions, ‘Should health care companies be able to disclaim financial responsibility for the medical needs of a child whose parents new prior to conception or birth that the child would be born with a seriously ‘abnormal’ genome?’ or ‘Should employers be able to screen out workers on the basis of their genomes?’(Annas). One Study recommended the following rules and legislation


‘DNA samples can only be used for the purposes for which they were collected. Specifically there may be A. no waivers or “boilerplate” statements that permit other uses; B. no access to any other third party without written notification to the individual; C. no access by third parties to any personally identifiable information.’ (Annas).


. Parents being able to create babies with increased intelligence, physical capabilities or more attractive features, effectively creating a super human.


Many studies have in particular isolated this issue as one of tremendous controversy and label it as ethically wrong. By mapping the Human DNA, scientists have the opportunity to isolate and manipulate genes and cells, which offers the ability to manipulate the embryos strength, appearance and intelligence. Although this issue seems to be one found in a Science fiction novel, Geneticists may be able to use this technology to create an army of superior human beings. This technology could also determine what we become as a species, even creating an ‘immortal race’. ‘People will soon live twice as long as today, and have the potential to live for 1,00 years, according to one of the governments top scientists’ ‘Advances in genetics will create a race of immortals, bringing the threat of overcrowding and rivalry between generations’ (Rufford) This is the ultimate example of playing God, one which has been condemned by religious groups, simply for the possibility of occurring. This prediction would lead to overcrowding, and also to the possible introduction of China’s one child policy, or dramatically, no child policy. This would force people to choose having life lengthening treatment or having children. These points may seem ridiculous, or farfetched, but scientists worldwide assure the public and governments that they are on the horizon. Is this where the human race is headed? Should it be?


. Geneticists may introduce harmful transmissible genes which promote cancer or other diseases as well as the production of genetically modified bacteria or viruses which are resistant to antibiotics or are particularly virulent for use in biological warfare.


If Scientists have the ability to retard chemical processes in our DNA that stimulate the growth of diseases or viruses, what could stop them from creating a weapon that increases the activity of these processes? This is a very real possibility, in a world that is paranoid about the possibility of Chemical or biological weapons being used against them. This technology can be studied and tested worldwide, therefore who can possibly stop the spread of this threat without the threat of more wars?


4. Organ factories producing cloned organs for transplant (eg growing headless humanoids etc) (Saunders, 17)


While the notion of creating cloned organs to assist with the horrendous waiting lists associated with transplants is noble, organs need bodies to live in to grow, which leads us to the question, ‘Is the life of an organism that has been created only to hold essential organs, really a life?’ ‘Who has the right to dictate which lives are void, or what exactly they are worth?’


Genetics, Cloning and The Human Genome Project is not yet an exact, accurate science. We have neither the intelligence nor the correct motives to handle a discovery of this scale. We have a spectacularly poor track record at dealing sensibly with the new potentials that science and nature deliver to us. While the idea that hereditary diseases can be eradicated, giving millions a second chance, there are just too many concerns and issues that have not been properly addressed by geneticists or legislation. Therefore, legislation and governmental authorities need to seriously consider these tremendous risks, and regulate severely where The Human Genome Project takes us as a race. There are many valid reasons why we need the HGP, so it is absurd to suggest that this course be abandoned, however the human race, and specifically those who have the ability and responsibility to control this technology, need to carefully reflect upon what they do in the future. There is much at risk.


BIBLIOGRAPHY


Quoted


Collins, Dr. F, ‘National Human Genome Institute Article’ 14.


Saunders, P. ‘Contraception, Infertility Treatments and Genetics’


http//www.ethicsforschools.org/contra/contfert.htm


Annas, G. J and Elias S, ‘The Major Social Policy Issues Raised by the Human Genome Project’


http//www.bumc.bu.edu/www/sph/lw/pvl/book/1.pdf


08 January 000, The Times, p.5 ‘Letting the gene genie out of the bottle’


Rufford, N, 5 June 000, The Sunday Times, p. ’Genes will make us live for 1,00 years.


Considered


‘Chromosome Cartography, Wall Street Journal’, March 16 18


‘The Science Behind the Human Genome Project’


http//www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/project/info.html


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