Question

Identify 3 ethical and 3 legal issues regarding Genomics ? with examples?

Genomic services provided for gaining a better understanding of the interactions between genes and the environment but there are legal and ethical concerns ? given.3 examples for.possible legal issues related and 3 examples.for Ethical issues?

Answer 1

Genomics is the study of whole genomes of organisms, and incorporates elements from genetics. Genomics uses a combination of recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing methods, and bioinformatics to sequence, assemble, and analyse the structure and function of genomes.

There are some legal and ethical issues arising from this study

LEGAL ISSUES

1. Consent - the genomic study needs written consent of the patient. If some one studies ones genomes with out consent will lead to legal procedure.
2. Malpractice - The unethical use of genomic information lead to legal complications. For example if some insurance company uses a persons genomic data to asess risk for developing certain disease and denies insurance, its a malpractice.
3. Unaware of genomic data - not using genomic data for the welfare of a person comes under legal issues. For example a person genomic data shows that he/she is at risk of developing reaction due to a medicine and a physician prescribes that medicine with out knowing genomics and person develops reaction to that drug.

ETHICAL ISSUES

1.Ethical dilemma

Ethical dilemma arises whether to use genomic information or not. For example genomic study of a critically ill patient shows possible reaction to life saving drug. There dilemma arises whether to use that drug or not

2.Descrimination

In some instance use of genomic data leads to descrimination. For example if some one applies for a job where is is exposure to arsenic and his genomic data shows arsenic allergy. It will lead to descrimination.

3. Respect for autonomy - person have every right to get genomic sequence done and also to deny such study. A persons risk for seizure can be identified through genomic study. But if the person is unwilling for the study which will alter the course of treatment. Here ethical issues comes whether to respect patients autonomy or cure him from disease.