The DNA Debate at UC Berkeley

Glenn McGee, PhD

June 15, 2010

So what’s the problem?

You’re an incoming first year student at a major university, and they send you a cotton swab for a DNA sample. It’s voluntary, anonymous and presented as a way to tell if you are vulnerable to certain health problems.

Simple, right? Not according to Glenn McGee, PhD, the John B. Francis Chair at the Center for Practical Bioethics.

In this edition of The Bioethics Channel Dr. McGee explores the ethical issues around the University of California-Berkeley program asking for DNA samples from incoming freshmen.

Links:

Podcast, 14 minutes 29 seconds

UC Berkeley offer to test DNA of incoming students sparks debate, Los Angeles Times, June 1