The Genome Defense by Jorge L. Contreras

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Genome Defense: Inside the Epic Legal Battle to Determine Who Owns Your DNA
Author: Jorge L. Contreras
Publisher: Algonquin
Release Date: 10.26.21


Publisher’s Summary
In this riveting, behind-the-scenes courtroom drama, a brilliant legal team battles corporate greed and government overreach for our fundamental right to control our genes.

When attorney Chris Hansen learned that the U.S. government was issuing patents for human genes to biotech companies, his first thought was, How can a corporation own what makes us who we are? Then he discovered that women were being charged exorbitant fees to test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, tests they desperately needed—all because Myriad Genetics had patented the famous BRCA genes. So he sued them.

Jorge L. Contreras, one of the nation’s foremost authorities on human genetics law, has devoted years to investigating the groundbreaking civil rights case known as AMP v. Myriad. In The Genome Defense Contreras gives us the view from inside as Hansen and his team of ACLU lawyers, along with a committed group of activists, scientists, and physicians, take their one-in-a-million case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Contreras interviewed more than a hundred key players involved in all aspects of the case—from judges and policy makers to ethicists and genetic counselors, as well as cancer survivors and those whose lives would be impacted by the decision—expertly weaving together their stories into a fascinating narrative of this pivotal moment in history.

The Genome Defense is a powerful and compelling story about how society must balance scientific discovery with corporate profits and the rights of all people.


My Review
I love all books, movies, and TV shows that focus on any aspect of genetics (The Unfit Heiress, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Orphan Black, etc.) In The Genome Defense, I learned so much about the history of laws surrounding genes and genetic testing in the United States. I also gained a new understanding into the gap between scientific advancements and the delayed creation and application of relevant laws. This is a book that I will likely buy a physical copy of for 2 reasons: #1 the review copy had empty spaces where I'm sure the final specific information for dates, monetary amounts, etc. will be included and #2 while I think this book is so cutting edge and current, it will be fascinating to revisit it in future years after further genetic and legal advancements.