Walgreens Genetic ‘Spit Kit’ Debate
Name:______________________ Hr:____
Date:____________
The ISSUE
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Pathway Genomics, San Diego, has announced that beginning Friday,
shoppers at most of Walgreens' 7,500 stores across the U.S. can buy an overthe-counter genetic test. The test would scan their genes for the possibility
that they'll develop such conditions as Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer,
diabetes, risk of heart attack, or multiple sclerosis. And can also be used to
predict whether their children will be blind or obese.
The QUESTION
•
Should Walgreens be able to sell a DNA testing kit over-the-counter?
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What are the benefits?
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What are the controversies?
The ASSIGNMENT

You will have 45 minutes of class time in the computer lab to research this topic.
Use your time wisely!

You may be assigned the ‘in favor’ or ‘opposed’ position of this issue to debate;
so be sure to find information supporting both.

Use the internet sites provided and the questions from the powerpoint to guide
your research. Use the back of this sheet as an outline for your notes.
As you research whether Walgreens should sell over-the-counter genetic testing kits
complete the following table.
‘In Favor’ (the Benefits)
‘Opposed’ (the Controversy)