A family afflicted with Canavan, a rare genetic disorder, raised money, collected DNA samples, and persuaded scientists from the Miami Children’s Hospital to search for the gene mutation that caused the disease. The researchers found the gene, and, without getting the consent of the parents of the children whose DNA they used, patented it for the hospital. When the hospital began to collect royalties on a genetic-screening test, patient groups were outraged.

a. Did the hospital act ethically?

b. Can you articulate any legal claims against the scientists and/or hospital?

c. Internet Assignment Find out what happened in the lawsuit filed against Miami Children’s Hospital.