Forum Post: Take Back Our Genes – Join the Fight Against Gene Patenting
Posted 12 years ago on Feb. 26, 2012, 10:40 p.m. EST by GirlFriday
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Most people are shocked to learn that 20 percent of the human genome has been patented by corporations and scientists, granting companies ownership and sole access to these fundamental building blocks of life. Patents on genes limit the ability of scientists and health researchers to learn more about gene-to-disease correlations and limit progress in fields that could benefit the health of all people, resulting in increasing prices for tests, impediments to alternative research and barriers to patients' access to potentially life-saving technology.
The ACLU has filed a suit and it looks like it will be decided by the Supreme Court, but it is within the realm of congress to disallow these patents. This is just another scheme to privatize the commons so some connected people can get rich. It's ridiculous and dangerous thinking. Next they'll be patenting newly discovered species.
I agree.
I agree with francismjenkins. Like the internet, these new technologies need to be addressed by an enlightened congress. Anyone know where we can find one?
I think some might be on facebook
Yeah, No. I don't know where to find one.
That's a modern day myth isn't it?
I mean that is why we are here. To enlighten the Government.
There are enlightened members of congress...and it helps. But, by and large, they are out for themselves.
That's why we are here.
To help them hold to better standards and resist temptation.
The patents concern commercial "testing" for genetic disorders (like a propensity for certain types of cancer). I'm not sure how it limits research, but this is a problem nonetheless (mostly because some of these biotech companies are unreasonable in terms of licensing the tests, and the prices they charge to conduct a test). Patent law is entirely within the purview of congress to regulate, and we clearly need to revise our patent laws (for this, and a whole host of other reasons that are even more obscene).
The results of genetic testing has been used by insurance companies in the past. BRCA1/2 gene mutations may actually carry some discrimination.
I am truly over the tactics used place profit before people.
Yes, but genetic testing is an important (and potentially lifesaving) technology nonetheless.
Oh, I agree, absolutely.
the human genome should be public knowledge
Don't forget that scientists themselves are working for these corporations! We always praise science for the good and ignore the scientists who are doing the very things one fights against. You think a CEO just made it up on his own? How do you think they got control to do this?! SCIENTISTS!
We always don't praise science for the good. In fact, we do a fair amount of slamming them for being paid off.
Dont you EVER just relax? Get some fresh batteries and a glass of wine.