Gene Patent Essay

The articles “Patenting Life” and “Decoding the Use of Gene Patents” are both very interesting for, both deal with the outcomes of using gene patents. Although, the article “Patenting life” involves the cons of gene patenting, the article “Decoding the Use of Gene Patents” demonstrates the pros of using this technique. These topics are seen from two different points of view; they are written by two different men. The author of “Patenting Life” is Michael Crichton, a author, critic, and film producer that earned his degree from Harvard Medical School. On the other hand, John E. Calfee the author of “Decoding the Use of Gene Patents” ,a resident scholar, staff economist and manager. Other than being authors, these two men are very different from

He thinks without gene patents there would be advances in finding cures for diseases, as he says “Gene patents slow down the pace of medical advances on deadly diseases.” (Crichton 441). He also states that the cost for these test is ridiculous, due to the patent holder being allowed to decide how much the patent is gonna be worth. The patent holder has the right to choose the price, and block any competitor’s test. Therefore, the price the holder chooses is the one that matters. No one can test for that gene without the holder's permission. The holder basically owns the gene without it being in the holder's body anymore. All the rights belong to the holder, even if those decisions are unethical. Donating a breast cancer gene to another scientist can't be done without getting permission first. Even if the gene is in someone else's body, the gene is still private property. Although, humans share mostly the same genes as do animals patenting genes should not be allowed. As Crichton says “You can’t patent snow, eagles, or gravity, and you shouldn’t be able to patent genes, either,” (Crichton 441), states that genes should be treated as something