Question 4: Sequencing DNA

Sequencing the human genome of every child would be beneficial in many different ways, but also arises many ethical issues. At birth, the parents should have the option of seeing and sequencing their child’s genome. This would give them an exact copy of their child’s DNA. If they do choose to receive this information they would be able to predict and possibly prevent any genetic disorders their child may have. Knowing this information has both positive and negative effects. Knowing this information may place many implications on a child’s life, but not knowing may do so as well. If they do choose to receive this information, and find that their child does possess a genetic disorder, they might be able to take necessary precautions which would help minimize the effects of the disorder. However, it may also put limitations on the child if they know they are living with a harmful disease. This is why it should be available to everyone, but not forced, the choice should be up to the parents.

If the information is sequenced, there should be very limited access to it. Only the parents or legal guardians and anyone who would need to see it for medical records should have access. It is not necessary for any of the information relation to DNA to be public, so the access should be very limited and only visible to those whom it concerns. Having this information so easily accessible, may lead to the misuse of it. This issue brings up an ethical dilemma if those who have access to the information would be using it to benefit themselves instead of the person it belongs to. Therefore, the option to sequence everyone’s DNA at birth should be available, but people should have the choice to do so. Also if they do choose to do this the access should be very limited to only those who need it.