Privacy, Liberty, and the Genetic Modification of Humans

Abstract

In this paper I will argue that intangible property of this sort can be owned-that the proper subjects of intangible property claims include medical records, genetic profiles, and gene enhancement techniques. Coupled with a right to privacy, these intangible property rights allow individuals a wne of control that will, in most cases. justifiably exclude governmental or societal invasions into private domains. I will argue that the threshold for overriding privacy rights and intangible property rights is higher, in relation to genetic enhancement techniques and sensitive personal information, than is commonly suggested. Once the bar is raised, so-to-speak, the burden of overriding it is formidable. In the end, I am not so worried about the prospects of a brave new world brought upon us by gene manipulation-I am much more worried when societies, committees, and concerned citizens use the force of government to tell us what we can do to and in our own bodies.