Science Homework Help

Answer the questions

Sadly, Mike and June’s son, Rickey, was born with cystic fibrosis (CF).

His case is mild and he has lived most of his 18 years with very  few complications. Rickey will be entering college in the fall and is  very excited about it. Recently, there has been a lot of publicity about  the number of labs all over the country that are developing gene  therapy protocols for cystic fibrosis.

Rickey’s case is mild, so he is expected to live a normal life  span, but he will definitely pass the gene to his children. Unless he  marries a woman who is a carrier, his children will not have CF.

Recently Rickey read a comprehensive article about the Jesse  Gelsinger case and thought that Jesse was a hero. He talked to Mike and  June at length about the case and said over and over again that he  wanted to look into doing something like that himself. This really  frightened his parents.

They weren’t sure they could trust the doctors doing the  experimental therapy, but they thought it would be wonderful if Rickey  could be “cured”.

Without telling his parents, Rickey contacted the doctor in  California who was named in the article. A letter came back stating that  Rickey might be a good candidate for the trials. After showing Mike and  June the letter, Rickey tells them he wants to volunteer.

1. What should Mike and June do? Suggest at least two possibilities.

2. Rickey, like Jesse, is not a minor. Should he be allowed to make this decision without his parent’s consent? Why or why not?

3. What legal problems might arise if Rickey volunteers for the study?