The Ghost in Our Genes: Legal and Ethical Implications of Epigenetics

Rothstein, Mark A.; , Yu Cai; Marchant, Gary E.

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The Ghost in Our Genes: Legal and Ethical Implications of Epigenetics

Health Matrix: Journal of Law-Medicine, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2009

University of Louisville School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series No. 2010-02

63 Pages Posted: 4 Jun 2008 Last revised: 13 Dec 2009

See all articles by Mark A. Rothstein

Gary E. Marchant

Arizona State University - College of Law

Date Written: February 3, 2009

Abstract

Epigenetics is one of the most scientifically important, and legally and ethically significant, cutting-edge subjects of scientific discovery. Epigenetics link environmental and genetic influences on the traits and characteristics of an individual, and new discoveries reveal that a large range of environmental, dietary, behavioral, and medical experiences can significantly affect the future development and health of an individual and their offspring. This article describes and analyzes the ethical and legal implications of these new scientific findings.

Keywords: Epigenetics, genetic, environmental

JEL Classification: K32, I18

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Rothstein, Mark A. and Cai, Yu and Marchant, Gary E., The Ghost in Our Genes: Legal and Ethical Implications of Epigenetics (February 3, 2009). Health Matrix: Journal of Law-Medicine, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2009, University of Louisville School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series No. 2010-02, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1140443