Legislation that would prevent cloning and protect an individual's genetic information could backfire by hampering medical research and boosting the cost of new drugs, a policy-shaping institute reported Tuesday.
At least 68 genetic privacy bills have been introduced in 28 states this year following the creation of a cloned sheep in Scotland.Many of the proposals contain broad-based language that could apply to techniques used in a range of medical projects, including cancer and AIDS research, said Philip Burgess, president of the Center for the New West.
For example, language that defines genetic information as an individual property right could allow a DNA donor to claim royalties on products developed with that sample, the center stated in a 16-page report.
Or, language requiring DNA samples to be destroyed unless donor consent is obtained could prevent the study of disease progression, the report stated.
"The problems out there are real," Burgess said.
"You don't want a situation where, to get a job, you have to pass some kind of genetic screening," he said. "But, on the other hand, if we go overboard on these issues we can also prevent the development of badly needed vaccines and cures."
Burgess urged politicians to create a balance between limits on cloning and genetic research. "We need to approach the problems that are created by these new technologies in a levelheaded way," he said.