DNA Privacy

It's the title of an essay I've been set, and I reasoned that the Lounge of Thinkers would be the place to steal ideas discuss the ethical qualms of the issue.

DNA carries the "identity" of a person, as well as information on their biological, psychological and health predispositions. Although this DNA analysis has great medical value, it could be abused by insurers, employers etc. Some nations are building DNA databases, initially to identify and prosecute criminals, but will it stop there?

Should such a database be made universal? Is it ever right for the DNA of the innocent to be used for any reason without the consent of the "owner"? If so, when and by whom?

I think that having privacy of your DNA shouldn't be a right. It's almost the same as having privacy of not being looked at.

I mean you can hide yourself so that nobody see's you, but that would be the same as hiding any traces of your DNA. However, it isn't a right for you to not be looked at when you are exposing yourself to the public. In the same manner, it shouldn't be a right to have DNA privacy.

I wouldn't trust a DNA database in the hands of the government. How many times do they get stolen,Leaked each year. Government are incompetent at the best of times.

quote Aerodynamical

As far as DNA goes, I think that we should keep the database in the government and TRY not to get it leaked, and if needs be, the DNA used in criminal prosecution.

They should start a database from when someone is born, a sample of DNA taken and stored and then in the future, we will have a database of everyone in the UK's DNA.

Opinions?

Considering the government's history of respecting the common citizen's privacy (wiretapping, anyone?), I don't think I would trust them to store my DNA in a database and not abuse the information it contains in some way or another. I plan to keep my DNA out of the system for good. It's pretty easy if you're not a criminal.

There are actually laws already set in place dealing with DNA. It was made illegal to judge you by your DNA. Such as life-insurance companies, insurance, etc. Aside from that, I'm all for it. Just think of it. If they can trace a disease in my DNA that gets passed down, then they will someday in the future be able to find those genetic-markers and screen it out. Besides, a DNA database could help show you your heritage as well. I think it's bad-ass that scientists have mapped the human genome and DNA. And now they have the ability to try and decifer it all, and help us to actually live longer, healthier lives.

quote ctrl

Just think of it. If they can trace a disease in my DNA that gets passed down, then they will someday in the future be able to find those genetic-markers and screen it out.

What if in the near future they decide the best way to screen it out would be to make those carrying such diseases infertile at birth?

Let's face it, that scenario could be happening now without anyone being asked or even told.

I'm pretty sure that violates the inalienable rights as defined by the US Constitution. Unless the Constitution falls, America won't try anything that radical.

@ctrl: You stole my line!! NNNOOOooo...
Ahem. I was about to say that DNA would be useful in the future as part of medical advancement. I've seen scenarios in which future medicine has warnings against using it if the DNA of the consumer is a certain specification, or has recommendations to use a specific dosage based on the DNA. It makes sense; different people have different methods of dealing with disease, and when a so-called "universal medicine" (think aspirin) is not enough, over-the-counter medicines prescribed to specific people would be necessary. It would also help prevent the disturbing trend of teens taking meds from their parents' cupboard and using them to get high; even if they share some DNA, it would not be enough to guarantee the safety of the teen, therefore deterring them from using their parents' meds.