Genetics: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy(Readings in Bioethics)

About the Book

Over a decade ago, the field of bioethics was established in response to the increased control over the design of living organisms afforded by both medical genetics and biotechnology. Since its introduction, bioethics has become established as an academic discipline with journals and professional societies, is covered regularly in the media, and affects people everyday around the globe. In response to the increasing need for information about medical genetics and biotechnology as well as the ethical issues these fields raise, Sheed & Ward proudly presents the Readings in Bioethics Series. Edited by Thomas A. Shannon, the series provides anthologies of critical essays and reflections by leading ethicists in four pivotal areas: reproductive technologies, genetic technologies, death and dying, and health care policy. The goal of this series is twofold: first, to provide a set of readers on thematic topics for introductory or survey courses in bioethics or for courses with a particular theme or time limitation. Second, each of the readers in this series is designed to help students focus more thoroughly and effectively on specific topics that flesh out the ethical issues at the core of bioethics. The series is also highly accessible to general readers interested in bioethics. This volume collects critical essays by leading scholars on issues in biotechnology, genetic counseling and the disabled, population screening, race-based gamete selection, stem cell research, reproductive freedom and preimplantation diagnosis, procreation for organ and tissue procurement, and other critical areas where moral and ethical dilemmas are emerging from new and existing practices, policy, and legislation.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 Biotechnology and the Threat of a Posthuman Future
Chapter 2 Crossing Species Boundaries
Chapter 3 Genetic Counseling and the Disabled: Feminism Examines the Stance of Those Who Stand at the Gate
Chapter 4 The Natural Father: Genetic Paternity Testing, Marriage, and Fatherhood
Chapter 5 Ethics of Preimplantation Diagnosis for a Woman Destined to Develop Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease
Chapter 6 Procreation for Donation: The Moral and Political Permissibility of "Having a Child to Save a Child."
Chapter 7 Population Screening in the Age of Genomic Medicine
Chapter 8 Navigating Race in the Market for Human Gametes
Chapter 9 How Can You Patent Genes?
Chapter 10 Monitoring Stem Cell Research: Chapter II. Current Federal Law and Policy
Chapter 11 Nuclear Transplantation, Embryonic Stem Cells, and the Potential for Cell Therapy

About the Author :
Thomas A. Shannon is professor of religion and social ethics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Review :
This is an exceptional collection of essays. Taken together, they provide an excellent overview of some of the more critical and pressing dimensions of genetic advances. Taken singly, each essay succeeds in being informative while also being provocative, challenging thinking on fundamental questions of meaning. Each will undoubtedly stimulate much reflection and discussion. Shannon has succeeded in an almost overwhelming task—choosing eleven of the very best essays in the area of genetics. Spanning a rich spectrum of issues in genetics from a variety of perspectives, this collection impels mindfulness about scientific possibilities and present bioethical challenges. A coherent and compelling account. A much needed book. Among the leading bioethicists of our age, Tom Shannon offers us a collection of essays that are both insightful and provocative. By commanding the field, Shannon knows the essays that set today’s genetics’ agenda for both science and public policy. Putting them together in this volume, treating topics from stem cells to gene patenting, from genetic counseling to population screening, Shannon offers his fellow colleagues and students a solid anthology of readings.