Question

1. In the near future, it may be possible to have everyone’s DNA sequenced and analyzed at birth. List some health benefits as well as possible privacy risks with this potential capability.

Answer 1

Whole genome sequencing of new born babies could have the following benefits and risks:

Benefits:

• There is a possibility of identifying the mechanism of certain disease for which, previously causes and conditions had been unknown.
• Scientists will be able to identify genes that increase disease risk and can be helpful in treatments and therapies.
• Treatment for a disease could be started at an earlier stage due to an early diagnosis which will greatly reduce the mortality rates provided the prognosis is accurate without false positives.
• Suitable medication can be chosen based on the allergies and disorders caused by the genes.

Privacy Risks:

• An issue of privacy might be involved. Even if the sequencing data could be kept confidential, there is always a chance of privacy invasion by medical authorities or any other agencies.
• Newborn WGS can lead to stigmatization and discrimination against the individual with genetic defect in medical, family and social contexts, even if the phenotype is not expressed in the individual.