The latest research into the human genome poses difficult questions, but a lecture today offers a discussion about new technologies that seemed out of reach only a few years ago.
Scientists say there’s a pressing need for a public understanding of not just new breakthroughs in genomics, but also their ethical, legal and social implications.
That need has led the UT Health Science Center to offer this evening’s lecture and presentation entitled, “Before Birth and Throughout Life: Ethical Considerations in Genomic Sequencing.”
Dr. Amy McGuire is the director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine and is the Leon Jaworski professor of biomedical ethics and health policy.
An expert on the legal and ethical aspects of genetics, McGuire focuses on clinical integration of emerging technologies. Those technologies can create ethical dilemmas in the care and treatment of premature newborns and infants with life-threatening conditions. Ethical discussion also are raised about the increased use of technological implants and artificial organs, and about end-of-life issues when advanced directives come into play.
The event begins with a recepetion at 5:00 p.m. with the keynote address at 5:30. It’s free and open to the public at the Hurd Auditorium in the School of Nursing at the UT Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive. (Park in Visitor Lot 8)
