Legal & Ethical Implications of Human Genome Project

Chapter 9 of Science Technology and Law: Contemporary Issues in Biotechnology, GNLU, 2016

20 Pages Posted: 25 Sep 2016

See all articles by Shilpa Singh Jaswant

Shilpa Singh Jaswant

Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne; OP Jindal Global University; OP Jindal Global University

Date Written: February 22, 2015

Abstract

The human genome is considered to be the map of human and contains the complete genetic inheritance of a human organism. In 1990 the International Human Genome Project was launched with the purpose of mapping and sequencing the human genome. This scientific research is probably the biggest biological research yet attempted. Because of the release of the genome sequence data found by the project, many studies have begun to understand disease genes in humans. HGP gave some important perspectives to right to life, healthcare and bioethics.

This paper is not just a scientific research paper but an interdisciplinary paper which will deal not only the scientific and technical progress in the fields of biology and genetics. But, other emerging issues too, after the HGP, were brought to the world scenario. The legal and social issues which were developed subsequent to this project are discussed here. Some of the legal aspect related to the project like legislations passed by various countries and the adoption of two declarations by UNESCO, namely, Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, 1997 and International Declaration on Human Genetic Data, 2003. Finally, the social aspect of the project would concentrate on bioethics and issues related to human dignity.

Suggested Citation

Singh Jaswant, Shilpa and Singh Jaswant, Shilpa, Legal & Ethical Implications of Human Genome Project (February 22, 2015). Chapter 9 of Science Technology and Law: Contemporary Issues in Biotechnology, GNLU, 2016 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2842232

Shilpa Singh Jaswant (Contact Author)

Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne ( email )

Parkville, 3010
Australia

OP Jindal Global University ( email )

Narela Road
Near Jagdishpur
Sonipat, 131001
India
9925673549 (Phone)

OP Jindal Global University ( email )

Jindal Centre 12 Bhi12 Bhikaiji Cama Place
Near Jagdishpur Village
New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh/Haryana 110 066
India

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