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The Experiences and Challenges of Science and Ethics Proceedings of an American-Iranian Workshop (2003) / Chapter Skim
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Appendix H Current Situation of Bioethics in Genetic Research in Iran
Pages 77-85

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From page 77...
... A few provisions are directly related to genetic studies. In this regard, the Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease in Tehran is now preparing the first draft of a guideline that addresses the most challenging ethical implications in the field of genetic studies including informed consent, confidentiality, genetic counseling, and the potential for social harm or psychological distress imposed by disclosure of an individual's genetic information.
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From page 78...
... The Summary Report of the International Summit Conference on Bioethics toward an International Ethic for Research involving Human Subjects of 1987 is a brief document that addresses international cooperation on both the elaboration of principles and on the implementation of ethics review processes involving human subjects. The Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, issued a series of guidelines for biomedical research involving human subjects in 1993.
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From page 79...
... National and international governmental and nongovernmental organizations have reached a range of conclusions about the ethical acceptability of germ-line gene therapy.2,3,4 Privacy of Genetic Information In a strict sense, genetic data are information about the genetic code (DNA, RNA, and protein sequences) of the human chromosomes present in the nucleus and mitochondria of the cells of an individual, and about the number and state of the chromosomes.
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From page 80...
... Therefore, to effectively protect genetic privacy, unauthorized collection and analysis of individually identifiable DNA must be prohibited unless the concerned individual specifically authorizes the collection of DNA. Sex Selection There are several different attitudes toward sex selection before birth.
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From page 81...
... It has been recognized that a living organism not found in nature and created by the intervention of humans is a product of invention and not a product of nature.12 Now in the United States, artificial living organisms are qualified as patentable subject matter under the U.S. patent law.13 A tremendous bulk of information has been obtained from large projects such as the Human Genome Project, and considering studies of the human body, body parts, and biological materials all over the world, we believe that all governments should clarify their patent laws concerning such activities.
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From page 82...
... Iranian National Commission for UNESCO This organization is drafting a sixteen-clause guideline to establish a national bioethics committee that will discuss important issues. They include priorities for national bioethical studies; coordination of activities of ministries, organizations, universities, and research centers that are involved in bioethical issues; lack of higher education in the field of bioethics; establishment of a basis for international scientific negotiations; and financial resources for research projects on bioethics.
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From page 83...
... Some centers such as the Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease and the Avecina Research Center have developed documentation for certifying proposals for genetic research. Meanwhile, the Molecular Medicine Network is a new organization that aims to coordinate and supervise the research centers involved in molecular and genetic research throughout the country.
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From page 84...
... Andrew Lusting, there is a consensus among Islamic scholars that a governmental rule that refers to "changing God's creation" does not support a ban on genetic engineering. The scholars have concluded that genetic engineering is permissible.19 However, Gamal Serour restricts the justifiability of gene therapy to its therapeutic uses since using biotechnology in genetic research for eugenic purposes would involve changes in the creations of God and has the potential of inducing imbalance into the universe or into humanity.20 Shia As mentioned above, Shia is a branch of Islam.
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From page 85...
... Considering that the source of Islamic law can be according to formal and pluralistic ideas, we believe that the results of international conventions and conferences might be accepted with little modification from the Iranian government and the religious legislators of the country. Fortunately, among the many controversial bioethical issues, only abortion has been banned in Iran.
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Key Terms

  • human subjects
  • islamic law
  • gene therapy
  • informed consent
  • genetic studies

  • iranian population
  • genetic data
  • bioethical issues
  • ethical issues
  • ethics committees

  • national bioethics
  • medical education
  • information derived
  • international bioethical
  • human body

  • involving human
  • bioethical guidelines
  • national commission
  • uniform guideline
  • liver disease

  • protection code
  • bioethics committee
  • human genetic
  • protect genetic
  • genetic privacy

  • genetic counseling
  • regarding genetic
  • genetic information
  • genetic engineering
  • genetic code


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