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Which are bioethical concerns about DNA databanks? Check all that apply.

a. Storing information about someone's DNA may be an invasion of privacy.
b. Databanks may change the way police work.
c. Taking information about someone's DNA without their permission is a civil rights issue.
d. Information from databanks can be retrieved by anyone

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The bioethical concerns about DNA databanks include the invasion of privacy, civil rights issues, the impact on law enforcement, and restricted access. Regulations address some concerns, but continual updates are needed to address the issues raised by advancements in genomic technology. The correct options are a, c and d.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bioethical concerns about DNA databanks include various issues:

Privacy: Storing information about someone's DNA may be an invasion of privacy. If DNA information is not safeguarded, there is a potential risk of misuse of genetic data, which can affect individuals’ lives in areas such as employment, health insurance, and personal relationships.

Civil Rights: Taking information about someone's DNA without their permission is not only potentially a privacy violation but also a civil rights issue. Informed consent is crucial in this process.

Impact on law enforcement: Databanks may change the way police work by shifting the emphasis to genetic surveillance, which might affect societal norms and legal standards.

Access Restrictions: Contrary to the option suggesting that information from databanks can be retrieved by anyone, in reality, stringent controls are typically required to protect sensitive genetic information. However, the fear that data could be accessed by unauthorized entities is a valid concern.

Regulations like the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) have been enacted to address some of these issues, but ongoing dialogue and policy development are necessary to keep pace with technological advances in genomics.

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