Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Key issues in genetic epidemiology: Lessons from a UK based empirical study

Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Erica Haimes

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

This paper addresses critical issues in DNA banking by using the UK-based North Cumbria Community Genetics Project (NCCGP) as a case study. The NCCGP collected blood and tissue samples from the umbilical cord of newborn babies, maternal blood samples and personal health information derived from questionnaires in order to conduct genetic epidemiological studies. Our paper, based on findings from a Wellcome Trust funded study, provides empirical data on the nature of participation and non-participation in genetic databases and addresses key issues such as informed consent, altruism, and notions of community. We argue for the need to problematise concepts of genetic donation and to investigate the particular social circumstances in which ethical issues arise. Only through empirical research can we provide much needed evidence to inform normative discussions and policy-making in the area of population genetics.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Haimes E, Whong-Barr M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: TRAMES: journal of the humanities and social sciences

Year: 2004

Volume: 8

Issue: 1/2

Pages: 150-163

ISSN (print): 1406-0922

URL: http://www.kirj.ee/public/trames/content.htm#1-2,%202004


Share