Journal of Pharmacogenomics & Pharmacoproteomics

Precision medicine and advancing genetic technologies-Disability perspectives

7^th International Conference on Predictive, Preventive and personalized Medicine & Molecular Diagnostics

October 05-06, 2017 Chicago, USA

Aisling de Paor

Dublin City University, Ireland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Pharmacogenomics Pharmacoproteomics

Abstract:

Scientific and technological developments are propelling genetics and genetic technologies into the public sphere. Scientific and technological innovation is becoming more refined resulting in an increase in the availability and use of genetic testing, and other cutting edge genetic technologies including gene editing. These genetic advances not only signal a growing trend towards personalized or precision medicine, but also provoke consideration of the protection of genetic information as an emerging human rights concern. Ethical and legal issues arise from a disability perspective, including the potential for discrimination and privacy violations. In consideration of the intersection of genetics and disability, this paper highlights the significant concerns raised as genetic science and technology advances, and the consequences for disability rights, particularly the core concepts of non-discrimination, and respect for diversity and difference. On examining international human rights perspectives, it looks particularly at the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and how it may be used to guide best practice in this area. With an acknowledgement of historical abuses of genetic science, this paper highlights the need to maintain caution as to the potential consequences of advancing genetic technologies on persons with disabilities and indeed on society as a whole.