Foreword: Professor Sy Garte
Chapter 1: Genetics Matters - an introduction to the importance of the subject, to the four areas of technology and to the "relationships test" for personal and societal decision-making.
Chapter 2: Reading the Code: Genetic Testing - a summary of the many applications of genetic testing, for example, in ancestry tracing, reproductive choices, disease diagnosis and prevention, influencing behaviour, etc.
Chapter 3: Copying the Code: Cloning - an explanation of the different types of cloning (therapeutic and reproductive), alternative technologies to cloning through recent advances in regenerative medicine.
Chapter 4: Editing the Code: Genetic Engineering - coverage of gene therapy, gene editing (including human germline genome), genetic enhancement, gene drive, GM microbes, crops and animals.
Chapter 5: Saving the Code: DNA storage - a review of DNA patenting, development and expansion of DNA databases in health and justice, data confidentiality and security, questions around data ownership.
Chapter 6: Life and Relationships - a consideration of the central role of relationships in being human, including from a Christian perspective; exploration of indicators for when human (moral) life begins; introduction to relationships with self, family, society and the world
Chapter 7: Relationship with Self - how genetic advances influence the ways in which we think about ourselves and the value of human beings; evidence for and against genetic determination of behaviour and the impact on free will and responsibility.
Chapter 8: Relationships with Family - how genetic advances influence how we relate within families; genetics and choice of marriage partners, selection or enhancement of children, family structure and relationships; and sharing information within families.
Chapter 9: Relationships in Society - how genetics may alter the way we deal with others; the risks of divisions and inequalities based on genetic make-up; genetic discrimination; attitudes towards disability; privacy and security in DNA databases.
Chapter 10: Relationships with the World - how genetics is altering the way we interact with the world; transforming life on earth; placing limits on genetic modifications; gene editing in species conservation; benefits and risks of GM crops; ownership of DNA and patenting; risks of biopiracy and exploitation of the vulnerable.
Chapter 11: Moving Forward with Genes and Relationships - summary and future perspectives with a call to action for individuals and the Church.
Bibliography
Appendix
Glossary
Abbreviations
About the Author
