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Pew funds new genetic center
Grant will allow Johns Hopkins to study bioethical questions behind the science of reproduction.
By Andis Robeznieks, AMNews staff. April 15, 2002. Additional information
Figuring out how to advance biomedical research while responding to moral, ethical and religious concerns can be expensive -- maybe running into tens of millions of dollars.
To provide some help and direction, the Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded Johns Hopkins University a three-year, $9.9 million grant to establish the Genetics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. It will be directed by Kathy Hudson, PhD, a molecular biologist currently serving as assistant director of the National Institutes of Health's National Human Genome Research Institute.
One of the center's first projects will explore policy options and guidelines for human reproductive genetic technologies, including gene manipulation to select a baby's characteristics.
"Genetics and reproduction are intensely personal because both are fundamental, intimate expression of who we are as individuals, families, communities and as a species," Dr. Hudson said.
"Our goal is to provide an objective source of thoughtful and careful analysis, grounded in science and reflective of society's values, that we hope will inform the public debate and help in developing sound public policies," she added.
The center's goals include educating policy-makers about reproductive genetics, supporting research to assess public attitudes and concerns, and creating long-term guidelines for application of scientific advances.
Dr. Hudson stressed that the center will not advocate for particular positions, but will instead develop an analysis of pro and con arguments.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts report "New Biomedical Technologies, New Questions," most reproductive genetic research in the United States takes place in the private sector with private funds and "with very little oversight."
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Bioethics Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (http://www.med.jhu.edu/bioethics_institute/)
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Copyright 2002 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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