Abstract

BANDEIRA, Flavia Miranda Gomes de Constantino; GOMES, Yara de Miranda  and  ABATH, Frederico Guilherme Coutinho. Public health and ethics in the age of genomic medicine: genetic screening. Rev. Bras. Saude Mater. Infant. [online]. 2006, vol.6, n.1, pp. 141-146. ISSN 1519-3829.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1519-38292006000100017.

This article has the objective to bring the field of public health into context in the face of the great advances of biotechnology and applied genetics, focusing on issues related to the theme such as benefits and ethics concerning genetic screening. The Human Genome Project has generated many expectations among which the possibility of screening genes associated to diseases and behaviors, moreover, the possibility of genetic interventions on humans, creating concerns related to the resurgence of Eugenia, of genetic counseling and the use of genetic information as a standard for access to healthcare clinics and jobs. The discussion of all these issues is essential to benefit public health with information obtained through population genomic analysis.

Keywords : Human Genome Project; Biotecnology; Ethics; Public health; Genetic counseling.