by Brad Schaefer, M.D.
Associate Director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The speed at which our knowledge of human genetics has progressed over the last 10 years has been truly remarkable. Words like explosion or revolution have been used to describe the way in which this information has thrust itself into the limelight of medicine. As with most events that invoke dramatic change, peoples responses to these advances have encompassed all possible reactions. Many believe the mapping of the human genetic blueprint offers wonderful opportunities to advance health and medical care, while others fear the power of the information and how it might be used.
The simple answer to such concerns is that human genetic technology is simply a tool – granted a powerful tool, but a tool, nonetheless. As with other powerful innovations, such as nuclear energy, it has the potential to be used for great good, or if misused, tremendous harm. As such, both sides bear discussing.
The potential benefit to mankind from advances in human genetic technology are undeniable. Most of us have already benefited from it, but may not even know it. Human genetic technology is routinely used in the development of a host of pharmaceuticals that would otherwise not be available. The majority of the United States population with insulin – dependent diabetes use genetically engineered insulin. Other medicines developed using technology include drugs to treat heart attack, stroke and cancer. The list of drugs currently available or being developed by these techniques is well into the hundreds. Most of the new therapies being tried in AIDS treatment use genetic technology.
Other benefits from this new technology include better diagnostic tools for a host of human illnesses. For the first time in history, we have significant insight into how certain complex disorders such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease come about . As most people know, these techniques have even found applications outside of medicine. The application of DNA fingerprinting into forensics and law enforcement has revolutionized case law. New understanding of how our genetic makeup predisposes us
to certain influences in the environment promises to give us practical ways to stay healthier longer and truly prevent disease.
Finally, true cures of genetic disorders by gene therapy are on the horizon. Still, it is critical that appropriate caution be used in the enthusiasm to rush this technology into practice. Practically speaking, it is highly unlikely that efforts to develop master races or genetically selected perfect humans will ever be a true threat. However, other less dramatic, and yet equally important, potential abuses of this information bear close scrutiny. Problems such as genetic discrimination in insurance, employment, or social status must be avoided. The dignity of humans must be preserved. It is important to point out that these potential abuses have not been swept under the rug by scientists in a mad rush to push this technology further.
Careful consideration is being given to understanding the ethical, legal and social implications of this technology by scientists and others. In our own state, a governor-appointed task force has already completed a year-long project looking at these issues and providing suggested guidelines for the state legislature as these issues arise in that arena.
As in most important matters of life, a careful system of checks and balances needs to be in place that protects our citizens while at the same time permits the reasoned progress of this amazing technology. This science has tremendous potential to do great good for mankind. Achieving a balance that addresses the scientific, ethical and legal ramifications of this new science is easier said than done, but it can and should happen.