Genetics, Ethics and Privacy

Since 1865 when Mendel traced the inheritance patterns of certain traits in pea plants and showed that they could be described mathematically, genetics has not stop.

In 2003, Human Genoma Project announced that the project had been completed.

"By 2010, it is likely that predictive genetic tests will be available for as many as a dozen common conditions, enabling individuals to take preventive steps to reduce their risks of developing such disorders" The Boston Globe July 17, 2005

and an affordable price.

There are several centers who work on privacy & genetics:

• DNAnetwork.info, a website dedicated to research projects on DNA forensics, co-ordinated by Tilburg University, the Netherlands.
• The Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy (IGSP) is Duke's University's response to the Genome Revolution. The IGSP consists of a multidisciplinary networks of Centers, one of them, is the Center for Genome Ethics, Law & Policy.

Links:

The Genetic Privacy Act (USA)
EPIC's Genetic Privacy web