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In the 1980s US court
decisions set international precedent for the patenting
of human genetic material. As a result, exclusive monopolies over
human genetic materials are becoming commonplace in the industrialized
world, without discussion of the social, ethical and political
implications. Perhaps most disturbing is the degree to which ordinary
citizens have been marginalized from discussion and debate on
the patenting of human genetic material. In the absence of public
awareness and debate, issues of equity and ethics have been eclipsed
by the interests of the biotechnology industry. Most recently,
the US government has laid claim to "immortalized" human cell
lines extracted from citizens of Panama, New Guinea and the Solomon
Islands.
Private ownership of human biological materials raises many profound
social, ethical and political issues. Industrialized nations are
lobbying vigorously for "harmonization" of intellectual property
laws worldwide with the ultimate goal of imposing life patenting
laws worldwide. In the South, issues of development and national
sovereignty are at stake. Fundamental human rights are jeopardized
everywhere.
Rick
Weiss
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