The Gene Patenting Controversy

Genes are found in every living thing. They make us who we are. In the modern age of rapid technological advances, it is common for new discoveries to be patented for profit. A question arises. Does finding and isolating a human gene make it patentable by a company? This question has spurred much controversy over the last few years. Last year, a medical company called Myriad Genetics tried to patent the human gene that is responsible for breast cancer. To further understand the opinions of the public with regards to the issue of gene patenting, we conducted a study in one high school in Mississauga. Our results showed that the majority of teenagers are against gene patenting. However, we learned that teens knew very little about this issue. This motivated us to take action by making two informational videos on gene patenting to spread awareness among our peers and the wider community. In addition, we reached out to a group called Breast Cancer Association (BCA) by writing a letter to express our solidarity. We received a ‘thank you’ reply for BCA shortly after the U.S. Supreme