Genetic Patents turned isolated parts of people and living organisms into
property for others to profit from.  Researchers object genetic patents because they don't allow for freedom of information.  The patent holders determine who may receive this knowledge and at what price.  This will have disasterous consequences for the future of genetic research.  For example, if someone owned a patent for a gene that caused a disease, they have total control over the gene.  So if people wanted to research the disease and the patent owners do not grant a license to work on the gene or charge too much money, the researchers can't work on the gene and can't find a cure!

To: GENESnow.com
From: initforthemoney@phrma.org
Subject: Keep Up The Good Work

PhRMA's strong support of genetic patenting is based on the benefit to human
and animal health from medical advances, both realized and potential, based
on the use of genetic engineering. Because patents on animals, cell lines,
genes, and their products are necessary for such advances, PhRMA believes it
is a moral imperative that the patents of these types of inventions be
maintained and encouraged.
 

To: heathenous pagans
From: trinity@heavensgate.com
Subject: Playing God

Many religious groups are against genetic patenting for religious moral
reasons. Some believe that humans don't have right to claim ownership of
genetic material, the backbone of life, which is God's property.  Some
religious groups believe that humans are claiming that they are God when
they try to patent genes.  An example of religious groups pubicly denouncing
genetic patents is when Jeremy Rifkin, a social activist, prepared a statement
signed by American religious leaders in the Protestant, Roman Catholic,
Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist religions.