OWNERSHIP OF GENETIC MATERIAL AND INFORMATION

As a result of the International Human Genome Project genetic informat ion is rapidly multiplying. To avoid some of the problems regarding th e availability and use of genetic information, it is sometimes suggest ed to apply the concept of owner ship. This article focuses on the cla rification of the status of genetic material and genetic information, obtained as a result of screening and counseling of individual patient s. First, some philosophical theories of ownership are examined for a justification of the use of the concept of ownership with regard to th e human body. Next, arguments with regard to ownership of the human bo dy are examined. The results of this analysis are applied to genetic m aterial and genetic information. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.