Gene Sequencing Essay

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Human gene sequencing began in 1990 with the launch of the Human Genome Project. This project was started by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy, and led by the National Human Genome Research Institute. Its primary task was to sequence all of the base pairs of the human genome. “A genome is an organism’s complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a chemical compound that contains the genetic instructions needed to develop and direct the activities of every organism” (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2010). The goal was to have a complete picture of the human genome in order to more fully discover the role genes play in the development of diseases, and to ultimately lead the way to prevention, earlier detection and diagnosis, and more advanced medical treatments.
Several volunteers provided anonymous blood samples to be used in the project after giving consent. The project was completed in April of 2003 and the findings were made public on the internet. The Human Genome Project has already led to the discovery of more than 1,800 disease genes and there are now over 2,000 genetic tests to enable individuals to know their genetic risks and help doctors diagnose disease (National Institutes of Health, 2010).
There are many companies that now offer gene sequencing to individuals who can afford it. Most gene sequencing services range in the thousands of dollars. However, there are ethical implications to human gene sequencing that could dissuade a person from having this done.
Ethical Issues
Before diving into the ethical issues posed by human gene sequencing, there are certain advantages and disadvantages one could review. The idea of gene sequencing seems beneficial on the surface; h...

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...might say about them; family members who did not request the testing may want to stay ignorant of the possible health implication such testing would provide. If the data collected is considered alarming but uncertain or not actionable, an individual does not necessarily have the right to know (Henderson, 2012). If genetic information is shared and put into the wrong hands, there is a chance for discrimination. Employers, insurance companies, educational institutions, and banks could use this information to make decisions about an individual based on what their genetic blueprint says about them. There are currently no state or federal laws governing the use of genomic sequencing data. Specific laws designed to protect genetic information only address where and by whom information is collected; it does not offer privacy protection to individuals (Gutmann, 2012).

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