Is all fair in biological warfare? The controversy over genetically engineered biological weapons

J Med Ethics. 2009 Jul;35(7):429-32. doi: 10.1136/jme.2008.028944.

Abstract

Advances in genetics may soon make possible the development of ethnic bioweapons that target specific ethnic or racial groups based upon genetic markers. While occasional published reports of such research generate public outrage, little has been written about the ethical distinction (if any) between the development of such weapons and ethnically neutral bioweapons. The purpose of this paper is to launch a debate on the subject of ethnic bioweapons before they become a scientific reality.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Bioethical Issues
  • Biological Warfare / ethics*
  • Biological Warfare / ethnology*
  • Biological Warfare / history
  • Bioterrorism / ethics
  • Bioterrorism / ethnology
  • Genetic Engineering / ethics*
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Warfare / ethics