The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project will create more harm than good for Human Welfare.

‘Doctors will be able to spot genetic mutation that signal the approach not only of rare hereditary diseases, but also the common killers, including breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes- and defeat them.’ (Collins 1994). Geneticists have set the date for this breakthrough at 10 years. We are noe at the stage where we have almost finished completely mapping the Human Genome. But what is the Human Genome, and why is it expected to revolutionise the medicine and health industries? And if this Project can eradicate incurable diseases, then how can anyone suggest that it is more harm than good? That is the topic for this essay, which will look at both arguments and make an informed opinion on the topic.

Michael Walthous of the Wall Street Journal defines the Genome as ‘the collection of all hundred thousand or so human genes that make up the blueprint for human life.’ Cells use genes to make the ...