Social and Ethical Issues in dna fingerprinting
As the technology of DNA fingerprinting has advanced, several social and ethical issues have arisen over the rights of possessing a subject's DNA. Rightfully so, people are concerned over the consequences they will face if their DNA information becomes publicly accessible. At the moment, laws are in place to protect the subject's rights to their own DNA profile but these laws do not completely guarantee the protection of information.
Professor Jeffreys, a research professor at the University of Leicester, has expressed his concerns over the national DNA database in the UK. Previously, the database was used only to store DNA information of past criminals to use as evidence if needed for future cases. Now the database has evolved.
Professor Jeffreys, a research professor at the University of Leicester, has expressed his concerns over the national DNA database in the UK. Previously, the database was used only to store DNA information of past criminals to use as evidence if needed for future cases. Now the database has evolved.
"The national DNA database is a very powerful tool in the fight against crime,
but recent developments such as the retention of innocent people's DNA raises
significant ethical and social issues"
(Professor Jeffreys, Research Professor, University of Leicester)
(Professor Jeffreys, Research Professor, University of Leicester)
Hundreds of thousands of people who have been linked to crimes but have been released soon after, are also part of the database. Their information is not needed on the database, and it is unethical to keep it there without any necessary cause, giving many officials access to DNA profiles.
Seyed E. Hasnain at the University of Hyderabad, warns of the potential damage DNA fingerprinting could do if any of the information was made public. Since the technology has been developed for years, it is generally very accurate in identifying an individual's characteristics, and risks of certain diseases. It could determine the risk of certain cancers, criminal behaviour, and other illnesses.
Seyed E. Hasnain at the University of Hyderabad, warns of the potential damage DNA fingerprinting could do if any of the information was made public. Since the technology has been developed for years, it is generally very accurate in identifying an individual's characteristics, and risks of certain diseases. It could determine the risk of certain cancers, criminal behaviour, and other illnesses.
If private characteristic information is obtained by insurance companies or potential employers, it could seriously impact their insurance rates and job prospects. For example, if their DNA profile displays that a subject is at risk for breast cancer, an insurance company will want to charge that customer much higher rates due to the potential payouts they will have to give if and when that person does get breast cancer. In another instance, job employers will not want to hire a person who shows potential criminal behaviour in their DNA profile, because they wouldn't want to risk crime within their company.
Overall, if proper methods are not put in place to strictly restrict the access to DNA profiles in proper circumstances, then many human and privacy rights may be put in concern, and the public will face many social issues.
Overall, if proper methods are not put in place to strictly restrict the access to DNA profiles in proper circumstances, then many human and privacy rights may be put in concern, and the public will face many social issues.