Indigenous peoples and the morality of the Human Genome Diversity Project

In addition to the aim of mapping and sequencing one human's genome, the Human Genome Project also intends to characterise the genetic diversity of the world's peoples. The Human Genome Diversity Project raises political, economic and ethical issues. These intersect clearly when the genomes under study are those of indigenous peoples who are already subject to serious economic, legal and/or social disadvantage and discrimination. The fact that some individuals associated with the project have made dismissive comments about indigenous peoples has confused rather than illuminated the deeper issues involved, as well as causing much antagonism among indigenous peoples. There are more serious ethical issues raised by the project for all geneticists, including those who are sympathetic to the problems of indigenous peoples. With particular attention to the history and attitudes of Australian indigenous peoples, we argue that the Human Genome Diversity Project can only proceed if those who further its objectives simultaneously: respect the cultural beliefs of indigenous peoples; publicly support the efforts of indigenous peoples to achieve respect and equality; express respect by a rigorous understanding of the meaning of equitable negotiation of consent, and ensure that both immediate and long term economic benefits from the research flow back to the groups taking part.

The Human Genome Diversity Project: ethical problems and solutions

The goal of the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) is to provide a comprehensive study of genetic diversity across different human populations. Scientists working on the HGDP plan to collect samples from all 400 to 500 geographically isolated or culturally unique human populations that desire to participate in the project. Few people have questioned the scientific merits of the HGDP and its potential contribution to our understanding of human genetics, but the project has created a storm of moral, cultural, and political controversy during its brief existence. Opponents have argued that the HGDP smacks of racism, commercialism, exploitation, and cultural imperialism. Critics have also found fault with the informed consent process proposed by organizers of the HGDP. Opposition to the HGDP has succeeded in impeding (but not derailing) this project. The essay explores some of the key moral, political, and cultural issues raised by the HGDP and argues that the project should be implemented and should be funded, provided that researchers and organizers take steps to address the issues it raises.

The Human Genome Project after a decade: policy issues

The Human Genome Project began a decade ago, its early momentum fueled by two reports. A report from the National Research Council (NRC) in February 1998 endorsed the project and provided the basis for the first joint plan by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Energy (DOE). A report from the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) in April 1988, provided Congress with a means to assess the roles of NIH and DOE. Both reports highlighted the importance of genomics and emphasized the need for a concerted research program. The committees did not predict the large investment of private funds or the extensive patenting of sequences, and they underestimated the rate of progress. Overall, though, the consensus-building provided by the committees helped to set the blueprint for one of the great success stories in modern biology.