Human Genome: Eugenics and Genetic Discrimination

  • José Sebastião de Oliveira Cesumar
  • Denise Hammerschmidt

Abstract

The spectacular advances on the genome knowledge have resulted in a clear hope for the detection, prevention and treatment of numerous infirmities without possible solutions so far. The large amount of genetic data, involved in the human genome, takes to the idea of a transparent man. However, at the same time, the scientific progress in this matter starts to put the 21st century man into alert about their vulnerability as a specie and as the only owner of their own destine, since the knowledge by third parties about their genetic singularity may result in dangerous interferences concerning their private life, eugenic possibilities and danger of genetic discrimination in many sectors. The new eugenics presents itself as a medical question, proper of the doctor-patient circle and, therefore, a matter of individual health, the right to be born healthy.

Author Biographies

José Sebastião de Oliveira, Cesumar
Docente de Direito Civil do CESUMAR - Centro Universitário de Maringá; Docente e Coordenador do Curso de Mestrado em Ciências Jurídicas do CESUMAR; Docente aposentado de Direito Civil da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM; Doutor em Direito pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo - PUCSP; Mestre em Direito pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL; Consultor científico ad hoc da UEL e UEM; Pesquisador do CNPq.; Advogado na Comarca de Maringá-PR.
Denise Hammerschmidt
Mestra em Direito Supra-Individual pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM e Direitos da Personalidade pelo Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR.
Published
2008-07-01
Section
Doutrinas