The Principle of Inviolability of the Human Genome and Information about the Human Genome

Abstract

The principle of inviolability of the human genome is discussed in the context of biomedicine and related areas. The ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of interference in the human genome are presented in terms of somatic and germ cells, as well as those interventions affecting the human genome at the embryonic stage of development. In connection with the development of synthetic biology, the human genome, as well as its fragments, genes, and genetic information, is increasingly becoming of practical interest for various parties (entities and individuals), and, therefore, need protection, including legal protection. From a systemic approach, the principle of inviolability of the human genome cannot be absolute. The limits of its applicability (force and effect) can be affected by: the degree of development of genetic and information technologies; availability of effective institutions for control over modern technologies; functioning of the mechanisms ensuring biological, information and other types of security; national, cultural, religious peculiarities; established legal and ethical traditions, and practices in a number of sectors and fields of activity (research, medicine, information, etc.).