New Book Looks at Health Justice Alongside Genetic Research

Posted by Emily Beitiks September 29, 2011
Biopolitical Times
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While much hype surrounds genomic medical research and its potential to improve health and alleviate suffering, breakthroughs are unlikely to have widespread influence unless we find ways to address health disparities. A new book, Achieving Justice in Genomic Translation: Rethinking the Pathway to Benefit, co-edited by Burke, Goering, Holland, Edwards, and Trinidad, suggests that questions of “Who benefits?” and “What counts as a benefit?” have been neglected throughout biomedical research. The book illustrates how such considerations are needed to ensure that genetic research works toward justice. The analysis focuses on the significance of these questions throughout what is referred to as the “translational pathway”: “the process of moving new knowledge from bench to bedside and beyond” (pg. 5).

Co-editors Sara Goering, Suzanne Holland, and Kelly Edwards state, “The voices of the medically underserved must be heard if we are to fully appreciate what a fair distribution of the benefits of genomic intervention would be” (pg. 147). The edited volume helps bring some of these perspectives to light, while also exploring many of the translational challenges in biomedical research that perpetuate unjust health outcomes. From prenatal screening to autism research, the case studies illuminate the complex relationship between genetic research and health.

To purchase the book or view the table of contents, see the Oxford University Press website.

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