After over 13 years of anticipation, beginning in the early portion of 1990, the Human Genome Project, also known as HGP, provided a complete genetic sequence for the human genome. Directed by Ari Patrinos, head of the Office of Biological and Enviornmental Research, and Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Human Genome Research Institute, the team centralized its studies around three broad goals; complete mapping of the 3 billion genes, identify all human genes, and create a database for future studies. Since the beginning steps of the project, over 18 countries have decided to help contribute to the cause, which is one of the primary reasons the project was completed ahead of schedule. Now with the project completed, scientific research world-wide has begun to investigate causes for disease, illness, disorders and other major human health issues. However, many skeptics both religiously and politcally have begun to oppose further implementation of the genome database in scientific research. This conflict, very similar to the issue of human cloning, contains many ethical and moral questions that nearly everyone in our society will inevitably have to face. So the question is, does the scientific research prove to be more valuable to society than our fundamental social beliefs?.
One of the primary concerns of implementation of the HGP is privacy of a persons genetic make-up. Currently, there is no legislation related to genetic discrimination in any facet of daily life. This is seen as a major problem. Many people feel that if their genetic code shows signs of future illness and disease, insurance companies may abuse that information and deny coverage of certain persons. This also can cause problems within a persons workplace. A job oppurtunity could be denied if a persons genetic code showed signs of future health problems that could result in early retirement, or resignation.
