Impact of the HGI on Society: A Women's Studies Approach

The objectives of this group research project are to extend the analysis of ethical and social questions raised by the Human Genome Initiative by utilizing insights and methodology recently developed in 4 new subfields of women's studies: feminist ethics, medical ethics, science analysis, and technology studies. The project will use these new approaches in an expressly collaborative methodology, to focus on hopes of, concerns of, and implications for women, especially by seeking and valuing input from potential end-users of HGI discoveries and from groups marginalized by society. During Year I, an explicitly diverse group of 60 researchers will meet in a 3-day Workshop I. A year later, the researchers will convene a final workshop. Results will be presented at a 1-day session open to the public and the media. The P.I., the co-investigators, and several participants will transmit recommendations to private and government organizations. Members will present papers at meetings and follow through on the policy recommendations.