The advancement in genome science along with its potential applications has spurred observers to predict that biology will be the foremost science of the 21st century (HGPI). On the horizon is a new era of molecular medicine characterized less by treating symptoms, and more by looking to the most fundamental causes of disease. Rapid and more specific diagnostic tests will make possible earlier treatment of countless maladies. Medical researchers also will be able to devise novel therapeutic regimens based on new classes of drugs, immunotherapy techniques, and avoidance of environmental conditions that may trigger disease, and possible augmentation or even replacement of defective genes through gene therapy (HGPI). In microbial genomics, data from the genome project allows further insights into the development of energy-related biotechnologies such as photosynthetic and microbial systems that function in extreme environments. The project also contributes indirectly to the development of new and diverse products, processes, and test methods that will open the door to a cleaner environment. Understanding the human genome will have a significant effect on assessing risks posed to individuals by exposure to toxic agents. Moreover, this understanding can be applied to plants and animals to create stronger and disease-resistant organisms. In essence, information on the DNA of non-human organisms can lead to an understanding of their natural capabilities, which can be applied toward solving challenges in health care, energy sources, agriculture, and environmental cleanup.
In the past, researchers were only able to study few genes at a time. However, with the advancement in the HGP, they can approach their methods systematically on a grand scale. Although the process of the project itself has been expensive and time-consuming, supporters of the genome project argue that the sequencing of the human genes has certainly been worthwhile. Knowledge gained from the project has lead to revolutionary methods in diagnosis and treatment of numerous disorders.
Against the Human Genome Project
In spite of the numerous benefits offered by the HGP, there exist a number of prominent scientists that express concern over the social, ethical, and legal issues over the understanding of human genetics. “The major concerns stem from prior social experimentation with eugenics, the pseudoscientific effort to control human reproduction on the basis of preferential genetic matching, and the potential pressure for sterilization of individuals carrying undesirable hereditary traits (Ogunseitan 1247). Although scientists hope that the genetic knowledge can be applied for medical purposes in curing diseases and saving lives, it is not clear how likely this possibility is. On the other hand, opponents also argue that the HGP has put a halt or hindered other scientific projects because of the large investment the government has put into the HGP. Furthermore, much of the funding for research is ‘wasted’ due to the number of areas on human DNA that are considered ‘junk’ and useless.
The knowledge of the human genome is expected to lead to advancements in the medical and biological spectrum of twenty first century science. However, for a number of people, the specter of genetic discrimination has become a major concern toward the HGP. Dr. Leroy Walters of Georgetown University states that “all societies need to build in protections for people so that a person’s genetic information is not unfairly used against the individual.” The mapping of the human genes has to be anonymous, but the information acquired will apply to every human being regardless of individual differences, color, or race. The information should be general property and should not be used for business aims. As a result, no patents should be give for the human genome or parts of it.
The risks of social and genetic discrimination also bears ground for opposition to the HGP due to the fact that such risks outweigh the potential benefits derived from the results of the project. Genetic mapping may become a source of stigmatization and social discrimination as the “risky population” may turn into a “defective population.” Furthermore, the danger of re-incorporating eugenics into the research gleaned from the project increases the opposition toward sequencing human DNA. The fear that government eugenics might take place to improve the race exists among a significant part of those against the project. This draws in the concept of “playing God” in altering genes to create the ideal or improved sequence of genes. The ethical issues raised by the HGP are primarily linked with the abuse of research information.
