One Day University

We are currently living through a “genetic revolution” that has transformed fields as diverse as agriculture, medicine and law enforcement. Yet our expanded knowledge of the human genome also brings numerous ethical dilemmas: Should parents be permitted to select the sex of their offspring? Should deaf couples be allowed to screen their embryos to ensure deaf children? Should the government place limits on human cloning? Is it ethical for health or life insurance companies to set rates based genetic makeup? Should kindergartens (or colleges) be permitted to request a DNA sample as part of an application? Can human genes be patented? This course looks at the recent history of the relationship between genetics and the legal system, to help individuals frame these issues more clearly, and illuminate the moral challenges of the genetic age.