Genetic Testing and Research

Abstract

"Technological advances in the field of genetics have brought some major issues into limelight concerning the rights of subjects under study and outcome in the form of benefits and risks associated with the genetic research. Applications resulting in genetic testing (when and who), gene therapy and cloning will potentially do much to reduce the impact of human diseases and improve the quality of life of nearly all our community. However, many ethical issues arise from how these applications should be implemented and other perceived uses of this technology. Genetic information is being generated much more quickly than our legal and social service system can respond. Some of these issues will involve both health and life insurance and many legal factors may also need consideration. However, these decisions will best be made when discussed by the community as a whole, encompassing the opinions of all who will be affected by the technology. "