Abstract

CARDOSO, Maria Helena Cabral de Almeida  and  CASTIEL, Luis David. Collective health, the new genetics, and market eugenics. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2003, vol.19, n.2, pp. 653-662. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2003000200032.

Due to constant advances in genetic manipulation, the field of public health is faced with the possible emergence of a reductionist genomic emphasis, beyond socio-cultural influences. Under such circumstances, the main focus of public health interventions would shift towards a genomic approach to "individuals" and their "families", to the detriment of their consecrated object - "populations", thereby moving away from the current central priority of efforts (and resources) aimed at reducing ill-health due to socioeconomic inequalities. Even admitting the benefits of genetic knowledge, a new eugenic practice may emerge from the availability of genetic tests on the marketplace aimed at individuals that can afford to consume them.

Keywords : Genetics; Sociobiology; Bioethics; Eugenics.