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Petition Tag - genetic
1. Breast cancer gene should not be patentable 
With biotechnology unclear and complex, large multinational companies are able to claim Patents to the very essence of human life, the Human genome, and have their claims enforceable in the courts.
A good example of such abuse is a recent case where a "biotechnology company Genetic Technologies has announced it will enforce its patent rights over tests for two genetic mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2, which increase breast cancer risk".
references:
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/News/Legality_of_breast_cancer_gene_test_patent_under_probe-33470
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/fears-patent-will-make-breast-cancer-gene-tests-too-expensive/811742.aspx
This means that one of the tests that allows our doctors to diagnose higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer in a section of the population would would be controlled only by the one company, in this case 'Genetic Technologies', potentially limiting access to the test.
An Australian University academic Dr Luigi Palombi claims that such tests are unpatentable.
Professor Ian Olver, chief executive of the Cancer Council Australia says that this "is an area where there is little clarity in Australian law".
The laws of a country are there to protect the people of the country. If the laws are clear enough on this topic they should be made clear.
No company should have the right to hold Patents such as the Patent that threatens the welfare of women in this above mentioned case. This patent, and patents like them are wrong, and should be Illegal under the law.
2. Stop Glofish risk of genetic pollution to the environment!
What makes the fish glow is a gene scientists gave them—not from another fish, but from sea coral. The glowing fish, originally invented by scientists in Singapore for detecting water pollution. To some, creating transgenic organisms—with genes from entirely different species—is a night-and-day difference from traditional breeding. GloFish™ fluorescent fish are beautiful and unique fish that were originally bred to help detect environmental pollutants(now it trying to kill the environmental).
It was only recently that scientists realized the public's interest in sharing the benefits of this research. GloFish™ fluorescent fish are safe for the environment and make wonderful pets for new hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike(the following line is not true). The glowing fish, originally invented by scientists in Singapore for detecting water pollution, will soon go on sale as pets everywhere in the U.S. except California, which has a ban on the sale of any genetically modified fish—a law intended to protect the environment (Therefore we need to prevent it). Right now, the fish are available in red, but other colors are in the pipeline.
3. "Pay off your Debt. Sell us a Forest!"
As an answer to many countries' debt problem and as a means of saving natural resources, especially tropical forests which affect global warming and weather patterns, the US government came up with a novel concept. The nature swap through the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 (TFCA) - to exchange the debt of forest-rich countries for conservation mechanisms designed to protect the forests.
The Act, according to a US Embassy press release will allow developing countries to shed their debt burden, while helping them to preserve natural forests. In consultation with the US government the debtor country can set up a fund or board consisting of local NGO representatives to preserve tropical forests. The value of debt will be converted to local currency and programs initiated by the board will be paid in local value.
According to them Sri Lanka's most pristine forests- the Sinharaja rainforest, Peak Wilderness, Namunukula forest and the Knuckles forest range are in danger under the debt recovery act and Sinharaja forest will be the main victim.
The United States and Japan have already taken 45 patent rights for medicinal plants in Sri Lanka. There may be hundreds of such indigenous properties in our tropical forests which will be the future of our financial stability. Under this, we fear that, it will pave the way for uncontrolled exploitation of these assets.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Forestry and Environment in Sri Lanka appointed a committee to look into the TFCA, counteracting the speculations of selling off the virgin forests to United States to offset national debt. There are remarkable similarities between the wording of the US Act and the intentions of the donor agencies as outlined in the ADB Report. At first glance it all seems ideally suited to countries such as Sri Lanka which have high international debts, and yet require funding to maintain its rich biodiversity. However, on close scrutiny, questions arise as to the intent motivating such apparent generosity. After all it is ironic that the United States is so concerned about the environmental well-being of the rest of the world that it refuses to sign the Kyoto Convention on controlling carbon dioxide emissions despite being the creator of the largest volume of these emissions!
So, do not allow capital countries to exploit poor countries' natural forests, full of genetic assets. We all should oppose it.
4. End Genetic Horse Disease - HYPP
HYPP or Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a genetic disorder that affects both horses. It has, so far, been traced in horses back to a Quarter Horse ironically named "Impressive." The disorder causes horses that are affected to have muscle spazams, ranging in intensity from unnoticable to unable to stand. A horse may go a very long time, years in fact, without showing any symptoms, then suddenly deteriorate.
When tested for HYPP, there are three possible results: n/n (unaffected) n/h (affected) and h/h (affected, having inherited the h gene from both of the foal's parents. Because the h gene is dominant, a horse with the result n/h has as large a chance of being sick as a horse who receives a result of h/h. Horses who have the dual combination of the bad gene, however, tend to be sicker earlier. 50%, not 25%, of the offspring of a horse with the test result n/h will carry the h gene. The only way to eradicate this problem is to stop all breeding of all horses who possess the h gene. Period.
The Apaloosa Horse Club Of Canada is on the right track. Please follow their link to see what their plan is on this issue. Basiscally, they are already refusing registration to any affected horse that is not steralized. In 2002, they plan to deny registration to ANY horse that is affected. Also, at present, any horse applying for or already registered with the ApHCC must be tested at the request of the ApHCC and have the findings noted on the horse's certificate. This is the least we can ask for. I want disclosure. Breeders should have to tell potential clients about this disorder if they have a positive test result, and sellers should have to tell buyers.
The picture is of my beautiful little filly when she was one day old. Her test just came back positive.
I am not a vet, or any kind of expert. This is just my understanding of what I've read on the subject and my side of my own personal experience.
5. A 5 Year Freeze on Genetic Engineering
The Tablelands GeneEthics Network formed 18 months ago with the aim of freezing the growth of gene modified crops across the Atherton Tablelands region of North Queensland for a period of 5 years.
In this time a moratorium can allow for proper investigation of the affects of Gene Modified crops in relation to health, environment & industry.
A forum held in Atherton on the 26 March 2001 drew an audience of close to 500 residents to listen to speakers from the Organic farming association, Queensland DPI, Monsanto & Consumer food network.
A questionnaire on the night showed that 89% of attendees agreed to a 5 year moratorium on the Atherton Tablelands.
