Duh Stupid, It's In Your Genes
“The Iceland Experiment – How a Tiny Island Nation Captured the Lead in the Genetic Revolution”By Michael D. Lemonick
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1158968-1,00.html
In Michael D. Lemonick’s “The Ice Experiment,” he examines the advantages a country such as Iceland possesses that facilitate genetic research. The advantages he cites include the fact that Iceland is an island, it was settled by a small number of individuals, there was relatively little immigration to the country, and incredibly detailed genealogies were kept. Each of these factors contributes to and validates the genetic homogeneity of Iceland making genetic research much easier.
Lemonick’s main purpose is to inform an audience about a new approach to genetic research. However, Lemonick subtly includes the element of persuasion in this piece as well. It seems that he incorporates certain details to persuade his audience that this kind of research is worthwhile. The United States has very strict laws regarding patient privacy, and by illuminating the efforts of Iceland’s population towards this research, he is trying to convince the United States populace to do the same. He cites the rise in deCODE’s stock, the localizing of numerous genes involved in the disease process, and the development of drugs from this data as evidence in support of genetic research.
Lemonick uses quotes to support the importance of the research being done in Iceland as well. These include quotations from Dr. Francis Collins, a member of the NIH and leader of the Human Genome Project, and Dr. Kari Stefansson who leads the research being done in Iceland. Both are respected in their field and both have the credentials to back up any testimony given. Also, Stefansson points to the development of a drug from their data by Hoffmann-La Roche which clearly enhances the authenticity of the story, a must given the recent scientific fabrications in the field of genetics.
One thing the article does not give enough attention to is the ethics surrounding the measures that deCODE has taken to obtain confidential health care data. Lemonick does mention a case that went to Iceland’s supreme court where this detail was brought to Iceland’s attention. However, deCODE’s solution was to offer an incentive to all who participate, free drugs. But while they offer free drugs to the participating population from Hoffman-La Roche for any drug that is created from their research, the fact remains that they are exploiting human beings for profit. The company seems to utilize any means possible to help achieve their goal.
Another ethical issue not touched upon is the ramifications of genetic research. Revealing predispositions to certain diseases raises many questions as to the access that insurance companies and employers will have to these records. Disease risk can affect whether or not a person will be insured and can affect the cost of that insurance. Likewise, employers may view those with a higher likelihood of contracting a disease a liability.
Genetic research and genetic engineering will continue to be hot topics for many coming decades. It is an issue that scientists and the medical and health care industries will have to closely examine to determine a policy that will be protective to the patient and beneficial to society. Lemonick focused on the benefits to society in his analysis, but failed to fully analyze the protection that should be afforded to the patient. Future analyses in support of genetic research should include this element.
posted by Andy @ 5:22 PM
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