NationStates Jolt Archive

Allowing anyone to own genes, even their own, could have disastrous long-term consequences. For example, the estate of a genetic mutant whos genes contained immunity from a disease would own the rights to the cure to that disease in perpetuity!

Although I agree with the individuals right to choose their genetic legacy, I find this legislation poorly thought out and must vote no for this reason.

I propose to insert the following clause:
"That, especially, individuals genetic rights shall not be allowed so to develop as to result in the concentration of the ownership or control of essential commodities in a few individuals to the common detriment."

I believe that "in perpetuity" is something of an exaggeration. An individual does not own his genetics for an indefinite period of time following his own death. Rather, I would envision it as being something similar to a copyright--each individual would hold the copyright to his/her own genome until a set number of years after death (the exectuor of his/her estate would exercise the right from death until expiration), and the holder of the copyright could thus license the use of it.

Perhaps. But it is subject to interpretation. Are genes, tangible, living things, like livestock, or are they purely information and subject to copyright?

In actuality, they lie somewhere in between and so this law needs clarification. Otherwise, the corporate lawyers may successfuly, and legally, institute gene-based monopolies.