Ethical and Legal Issues of the HGP

There are many different ethical and legal issues associated with the Human Genome Project. The fact that many individuals are contributing DNA samples complicates these issues even more.

Some of the many issues of any person who has or will contribute DNA samples include:

• How do you protect the privacy of DNA donors?
• Who should have access to this DNA information?
• What are some of the potential legitimate uses of this DNA information in the workplace, by insurance companies, adoption agencies, and courts?
• What are some of the potential misuses of this DNA information in the workplace by insurance companies, adoption agencies, and courts?
• What are some of the potential commercial uses of this DNA information?
• How can this DNA information be misused in future medical research?
• If a unique DNA sequence is found, should this sequence be patented or copyrighted?
• If a unique DNA sequence is found, who should hold the patent: the donor, industry, or another person?
• If your DNA sample indicates that you have a unique DNA sequence that may predispose you to alcoholism, how might this information affect your perception of self or society's perception of you?
• Just how much would you want to know about what your DNA may tell about you?

What are some of the other issues for society to grapple with?