EDST 391 Ethics & the Human Genome

Name:
Date:
"Calendar"

Required readings:

• Gene Testing, Human Genome Project. Please note the different reasons for gene testing. Also very important: Note that as of 2008 it has been illegal for insurance companies and employers to discriminate on the basis of information gained from genetic tests.
• Screening for rare genetic disorders now routine in newborns, R. S. Rabin, New York Times, 2/18/09.
• Predictive Genetic Screening, E. Brown, Genome British Columbia, March 2007.

1. If the new health care plan could fund only four of the eight types of genetic testing described in your first reading, which four would you advocate? Why?
2. What might be the longterm implications for families and society as a whole if hospitals did predictive genetic screening on all newborns for all diseases and disabilities for which component genes are identified?

• There will be a short quiz at the beginning of class.