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Quotes: A discussion on whole genome sequencing
For more than a year, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has been examining privacy issues raised by the emergence of low-cost whole genome sequencing. The technological advances and jump in the use of the tests – the costs of whole genome sequencing could drop to less than $1000 this year – […]
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Weighing the risks of an anthrax study for children
On one side: Does enrolling children in an anthrax vaccine trial put them at risk? On the other: If there are no trials, does that put all children at risk in the event of an anthrax attack? The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues today heard several medical and ethical experts address the […]
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Biodefense board’s anthrax vote ‘wasn’t easy’
The chairman of the National Biodefense Science Board said today while his panel voted in favor of testing children with an anthrax vaccine prior to any anthrax threat, it also wanted a second opinion: an ethical review of doing the test. “We wrestled with giving a vaccine to children (that was) untested,” said John S. […]
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Sebelius: Ethical considerations critical in protecting children
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues today that its consideration of ethical issues around protecting children in the event of a terrorist attack or a pandemic scare was critically important, calling children’s safety “our highest priority.” Sebelius asked the Commission early this year for […]
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Gutmann defines inquiry: Ethics on research with children
The issue of how to protect children in the event of a terrorist attack or other large-scale disaster has received some coverage in the media. But rarely discussed is a full airing of the ethical issues around such protection. Dr. Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania and Chair of the Presidential Commission for […]
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Live from Washington
Welcome to coverage of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues today in Washington, D.C. The topics today will include issues surrounding how the country should best prepare to protect children in the event of a terrorist attack or other large-scale disaster. Guest speakers include Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who […]
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A discussion on the ethics of neuroscience
In the ethics surrounding neuroscience, an initial question considered by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues today was the definition of the words “self” and “person.” The subject of neuroscience is one of three that the Commission is taking up this year. The other two are whole genome sequencing and effective countermeasures […]
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Experts give top concerns on genetic tests
In the final session today before the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, Chair Dr. Amy Gutmann asked all the experts who presented information to talk about their greatest concern with genetic tests. Gutmann, the President of the University of Pennsylvania, told them: “The Commission is very likely to focus its report on […]
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A positive use of genetic data: Justice
After a morning that dealt in large part with privacy concerns in the use of genetic data, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues heard another side of the issue: The data can lead to justice. Melissa Mourges, Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Forensic Sciences/Cold Cases Unit in the New York […]
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Ethical questions around genetic testing
Just 10 years ago, a complete personalized genome test cost $3 billion. Some groups say that this cost could drop to as low as $1000 this year. With the tests becoming more affordable, and more and more people getting whole genome sequencing tests, a host of related ethical issues are getting more attention, experts told […]
