Personal Genomics and Public Angst

Direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests has brought fresh attention to old debates: Who owns our personal information? What obligations are placed on us to seek out and use this information? What limits are imposed on those who would use our information for their own purposes? And perhaps most important of all, what real value is there in this information? As we enter an era in which genetic information is used for everything from humanitarian efforts to identify victims of genocide to recreational geneology and ancestry exploration, has genetics moved beyond the world of medicine? And what in the world should we be doing about it?

Speakers:

• Warren P. Knowles Professor of Law & Bioethics
• R. Alta Charo, University of Wisconsin Law and Medical Schools