Ethical and Environmental Concerns
The following concerns are among those often expressed in relation to the ethical and/or environmental issues surrounding the patenting of genetically modified life forms:
- Genetically altering life forms is immoral. The patenting of life forms is seen by some as being inherently undesirable for religious or ethical reasons.
- Ownership of genetic material is immoral. Genetic material may be seen as part of the common heritage of humanity. Consequently, it is unethical to allow individuals property rights in relation to inventions derived from this material.
- Patenting life forms and genetic material would `commercialise' life. Patenting life forms may be seen as reducing the status of non-human life forms.
- Animal patenting will devalue human life. It may become difficult to draw a line between the patenting of humans and other life forms, when genetically modified organisms may include human genes.
- Patents will reduce animal welfare. To the extent that patents may alter research practices or encourage additional research and development of genetically altered animals, the suffering caused to animals by these activities may be increased.
- Safety concerns. Genetically modified organisms may enter the food chain and cause adverse environmental or human health consequences. The safety of genetically altered food products has also been questioned by some groups.
- Patents will adversely affect biodiversity. The development of `superior' genetically engineered crop strains may diminish the variety of crop strains used (particularly in developing countries), adversely affecting biodiversity.
It is apparent however, that most of the criticisms outlined above relate more to the development and use of genetically altered life forms, rather than to their patentability per se. The ability to patent biotechnological inventions is seen to be a problem only in so far as it may be perceived to:
- encourage additional research, development and use of genetically altered life forms;
- legitimise the development of genetically altered life forms; or
- encourage undesirable research practices.
Back to Top