The Human Genome Project has given
us the key to human life itself. We know that we all have at least
99.99% of our DNA in common. Now the full human genome has been
revealed, detailed studies are being carried out on different ethnic
groups. It is hoped that these will help scientists pinpoint the
tiny differences which can lead to a tendency to develop particular
illnesses and conditions.
There is talk of producing a full DNA profile of every new born
baby, with the information stored on computer ready to be called
up when needed. Such ideas have many potential benefits, including
personally targeted medicines and lifestyle planning to avoid the
risk of disease. But there are also some major ethical issues which
need to be considered in detail before Pandora’s box is opened.
 The
steering group of the Human Genome Project have always made consideration
of the implications of the research an important aspect of the project.
You are presented here with a number of situations where detailed
knowledge of the human genome could lead to real ethical headaches.
In each case there are activities which will help you to reach decisions
about what you feel would be right, and which will give you the
opportunity to consider how other people might react differently.
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