PATENTING OF GENES AND BIOETHICS

What is the position taken by bioethicists vis-à-vis patenting of genes? Looking at the available source, three groups of responses could be distinguished. Principle-based responses try to resolve the problem by resorting to bioethics principles such as autonomy, justice or dignity. consequentialist responses look into impacts of gene patenting on socio-economic conditions of the society. Legal responses are more interested in protection of the rights of human beigs and animals, arguing that such protection is founded on moral values. After explaining the above three responses, at the last part of this paper, patenting of genes in iran under the current laws and regulations is discussed.

Keywords:

Principles , dignity , autonomy , justice , sanvitity of life