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Mapping the human genome: an assessment of media coverage and public reaction
Ellen S Tambor1, Barbara A Bernhardt, Joann Rodgers
1Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Hygiene & Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Purpose:
To assess public reactions to the June 26, 2000, announcement that scientists had nearly finished mapping the human genome.
Methods:
We conducted a random-digit telephone survey of 407 Maryland residents as well as a content analysis of 55 relevant media reports.
Results:
African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to report a negative reaction (P < 0.001) to the genome announcement. Overall, privacy/discrimination (16%) and human cloning (14%) were the most commonly mentioned concerns regarding the impact of the genome mapping.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the need for continued public discourse, including through the media, to address concerns regarding the Human Genome Project.