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Are Gene Patents Harmful?: Article Analysis

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Are Gene Patents Harmful?

After reading a couple of articles, it has me wondering how harmful or beneficial gene patents may be for us humans. I found and read more cons than pros between the two articles. In the article “Patenting Life” author and critic Michael Crichton, is against gene patents. Meanwhile in “Decoding the Use of Gene Patents” written by economist, John E. Calfee, thinks gene patents are not such a bad idea, but he also believes they can be somewhat harmful. He also points out multiple problems with patenting genes. In my opinion, I believe patenting genes are unfair and harmful. “You or someone you love, may die because of a gene patent that should have never been granted in the first place” (Crichton 441) . Scary thought, wouldn't you agree? These two complaints are what the two authors have disagreements on. …show more content…
They also prevent medical testing and keep important information from not only us patients but our doctors as well. I myself would not like if anyone withheld medical information from me or my loved ones. Another thing Ii strongly dislike about gene patents are the fact that they slow the pace of medical advance on deadly diseases. Not only do they slow down the pace, but the amount to run tests can be up to three times more expensive. Without any say so, if you were to undergo a test, the company that owns the patent on the gene can keep your tissue and do research without any permission from us

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