Biocoloniality, Governance, and the Protection of ‘Genetic Identities’ in Mexico and Colombia

Abstract

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Comparing genomic narratives of human diversity in Latin American nations

“…For example, there is frequently a concern about national "genomic sovereignty", in which a government seeks control over the human and non-human genetic material that is located within its borders and perceived as (potential) biocapital because it may have useful features that are scarce on the global market; the idea that particular countries have genetic material that is "unique" to their territories obviously enhances its potential commercial value (Benjamin 2009;Schwartz-Marín and Restrepo 2013). Also, national governments often fund national science to address national priorities; this may involve genomics projects with primarily medical aims, but which also generate data that address or can be used to address national histories and imaginaries.…”

Confidentiality and data sharing: vulnerabilities of the Mexican Genomics Sovereignty Act

“…This law establishes that (1) the human genome is both individual and human heritage; (2) personal discrimination based on genetic information is not permitted; (3) participants have the right to safeguard their right to be informed of the results and consequences of a genetic study; (4) genetic information must be preserved in a confidential manner; (5) human genome research and developments must be regulated to assure that the medical and economic benefits derived from this knowledge warrant health protection and respect the human rights, the freedom and the dignity of the individual; and (6) research on human genomics remain under a federal regulatory framework to protect the genomic patrimony. Possibly, the last article of this Act was enacted to protect the Mexican's human genome from neo-colonialist adventures (biopiracy), as referred by some scholars (Benjamin 2009;Schwartz-Marín and Arellano-Méndez 2012;Schwartz-Marín and Restrepo 2013;Siqueiros-García et al 2013).…”

Bioprophecy and the politics of the present: notes on the establishment of Mexico's national genomics institute (INMEGEN)

“…In the 18 months of lobbying in the Congress, many of those who were amongst the supporters of the Consortium Promoting Genetic Medicine, interrogated the existence of a "Mexican Genome" and the need for its sovereign protection, and yet when selling the project to Congressmen they all cooperated and silenced their critiques (see Schwartz-Marín and Restrepo 2013). The questionable science surrounding the creation of the INMEGEN was overshadowed by a dominant, near unquestionable narrative of exploitation and missed opportunities embodied in US -Mexican relations.…”