To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

News Staff : Jun 14, 2013  Georgia Right to Life

"The nation's high court has solved one key problem: human beings are not a commodity and their genes are not commercial property to be bought and sold."

(Norcross, GA)—Georgia Right to Life (GRTL) President Dan Becker praised Thursday's U. S. Supreme Court's unanimous ruling that human genes cannot be patented. He added that it should send a wakeup call to Georgia lawmakers to approve comprehensive biotechnology legislation. (Graphic: Boston Herald)

"Biotechnology is charging full steam ahead on many fronts," Becker said. "Much of that research is beneficial, while some is potentially dangerous and unethical. The nation's high court has solved one key problem: human beings are not a commodity and their genes are not commercial property to be bought and sold."

Noting that it's critical to establish broad ethical guidelines for all biotech research, Becker urged the Georgia Legislature to approve the Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act, HB 481.

Submitted earlier this year, the bill is designed to promote cutting edge biotechnological research, while preventing many of the most unethical and dangerous practices.

The Supreme Court case involved Utah-based Myriad Genetics which had been granted patents on two genes whose mutations are linked to an increased hereditary risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The genes are used to test women to determine if they have the potential to develop those types of cancer.

In the opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas said "Myriad did not create anything," because the genes are naturally occurring.

"Preventing companies from owning genes is a great step forward," Becker said. "But there are a host of other issues that need to be addressed here in Georgia."

Becker said HB 481 will be brought up again in the 2014 legislative session.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Americans Split On Pastors Using AI, Skeptical It Can Help With Understanding the Bible

Daughters of the American Revolution to Vote on Definition of 'Woman' amid Criticism of Transgender Policy

FYI: These 568 Companies Are Paying to Trans Kids. A Nationwide Campaign Demands They Stop

'They Paid Me to Vote': Homeless Residents Make Explosive Claims after Spencer Pratt's Loss [Video]

America Becomes India's Top Gas Supplier amid Strait of Hormuz Conflict

Netanyahu: 'Iran Will Not Have Nuclear Weapons'

'Fauci, Biden Admin Lied to American People': DNI Gabbard Reveals Evidence of US Taxpayer-Funded Global Biolab Program

Human Trafficking Update: Feds Identify 15,500 Sponsors of Multiple Unaccompanied Kids

Ainsley Earhardt Celebrates America; Reveals Supernatural Experience That Strengthened Her Faith [Video]

Melania Trump Launches First-of-Its-Kind Foster Youth Accounts to Give Children Asset Ownership

Changing Tide: Record-low 38% of Americans Support 'Gender Transitions' - Gallup Poll

4 States Offering Pride Month Alternatives That Celebrate Family

PRO-LIFE WIN: Trump Admin Moves to Remedy Downfall of IVF

Karmelo Anthony Claims He's 'Penniless,' Can't Afford Lawyer for Appeal, Despite Pocketing $625,000, after Murder Conviction

Trump Says US Snuck 22 Oil Ships Past Iran in Covert Op, US Strikes Regime 2 Nights in a Row

Memphis Safe Task Force Surpasses 10,000 Arrests, Locates 154 Missing Children and Removes over 1,700 Firearms from City Streets

President Trump Signs $70 Billion Border Security, ICE Funding Bill that Includes Funding to Combat Child Trafficking

Report: Parents Remain Essential to Instilling Authentic Faith in Next Generation

Who Is Counseling Our Children?

Supreme Court Vacates Biden-Era Decision Outlawing Gas Stoves, Water Heaters

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner

Aimee Herd, Editor