In the Midst of the Coronavirus Crisis, We Must Start Envisioning the Future Now – The New Yorker
Posted: March 29, 2020 at 7:42 pm
Sixteen years ago, in the very early days of medical genetic testing, I received a positive result for one of the BRCA mutations, which are correlated with a vastly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. I began interviewing doctors and genetic counsellors, in order to decide whether to have preventive surgeriesand, if so, which ones. I quickly understood that the science of cancer prevention had a tunnel-vision problem: I was counselled to undergo surgeries that would lower my risk of cancer but vastly increase other health risks. I joked that cancer prevention would be the more successful the sooner I died of something else.
What made my predicament more difficult was that the medical advice I got wasnt wrong. Preventive surgeries were the best options available for me to live a longer life. But the advice was dispensed without regard for, or at times even acknowledgment of, the damage that these surgeries would do to my health. I agonized over the risks, the uncertainties, and the irreversible nature of my decisions. In the end, I chose to have the surgeries, albeit not in the order and not nearly on the time frame that was recommended back then. I am now older than my mother or her aunt, who also had the mutation, ever lived to be. But I was profoundly changed by the surgeries. My life now is not fully continuous with my life before the interventions. I like some of the changes and regret the others. I also know that, if I had not been mindful of the unintended consequences of my decisions, my health and my quality of life today would be the worse for it.
In the United States, we are in a similarly terrible predicament now, as a society, as I was as a person with a body. The measures we are taking to save ourselves from a global pandemic of the novel coronavirus are changing us in fundamental, possibly irreparable ways. By instituting lockdowns and deploying a variety of emergency powers across the country, we are destroying our economy, our social fabric, and our political system. We will never be the same. Whether we change for both the better and the worse, as opposed to the solely catastrophic, will depend on how mindful we remain of the damage we are doing as we attempt to save ourselves from the pandemic.
The economy has already taken the biggest sudden hit in memory. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their jobs, and many more will become unemployed in the coming weeks. Inequalities in wealth, opportunity, and access to health care have become even more glaring than they were just a couple of weeks ago.
The social fabric is being torn in unprecedented ways, owing to school closings, a widespread shift to working from home, social distancing, sheltering in place. Whereas we used to share dozens of experiences a day with friends, acquaintances, and strangersfrom riding the subway to working in an office, standing in line at lunch, going to a concert, eating at a restaurant, chatting to an Uber drivermany of us have been reduced to sharing only isolation and the fear of chance encounters, if either of those can be said to be shared.
Our political system, frayed as it was, is under extraordinary stress. The Supreme Court has delayed cases. The Justice Department is seeking extreme powers. The Trump Administration is using the crisis as an opportunity to push through a more extreme version of its agenda. The President now lies to the nation daily ,not only on Twitter but also on live television, during briefings that he has turned into versions of his rallies. The election campaign is in a state of suspended animation. The borders are effectively closed. At the federal level, there is a real possibility that the coronavirus will paralyze the work of Congress, leaving the White House without check. At the local level, quarantine measures either have stopped or will stop all town councils, school boards, and community meetings. Local news media, an endangered species before the crisis, may have been dealt a final, fatal blow by the coronavirus.
In the past week, several high-profile writers have raised the possibility that emergency measures taken against the pandemic are too drastic. The founding director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, David Katz, writing in the Times, has argued that the threat of the pandemic is overestimated. The papers opinion columnist Thomas Friedman echoed this argument. But the problem is that, after the Trump Administration wasted the time that was available to prepare for the pandemics spread, by instituting widespread testing and creating additional hospital facilities, todays Draconian measures are both necessary and probably insufficient. As the President careens toward lifting preventive measures, in order to help the economy at the expense of human lives, we will increasingly find ourselves in the absurd position of demanding that the government drastically curtail all manner of freedom.
The low bar set by the incompetent, self-obsessed, lying President makes any halfway-competent public servant sound brilliant. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomos popularity seems to have spiked simply because he is acting and speaking rationally. In this time of crisis, with little concrete information available, I need Cuomos measured bullying, Rebecca Fishbein wrote on Jezebel, in a piece called Help, I Think Im in Love with Andrew Cuomo???
We tend to throw the word authoritarian around a lot, usually to mean anything that we perceive as less than democratic. But one of the technical definitions of authoritarianism is a regime in which one person or a single group of people make all governmental decisions, denying the public participation in political life. (This distinguishes authoritarianism from totalitarianism, where people are forced to participate all the time.) When we virtuously retreat to our homes, deserting public space and delegating all authority to one man armed with emergency powers, we are creating a society as close to the textbook definition of authoritarianism as has ever actually existed.
So what do we do now that so much economic, social, and political damage has already been done? We have to start talking about the damage, and thinking about tomorrow. We have to recognize that what we are doing to avoid being killed by a virus is also killing us as a society. We have to make it a priority to restore the social fabric.
One tool that will be necessary for this project is an antibody test, which will tell people whether theyve already had the coronavirus and recovered from it. (Antibody tests for the novel coronavirus exist, but the tests that are currently availableor, for most people, not availableare tests that check for the presence of the virus. People who have already recovered will test negative.) It is currently assumed that people who have recovered from the infection might have immunity to it, at least for a period of time. Provided theyve been quarantined for enough time, these could be the people who can volunteer at hospitals, with food and service delivery, at schools. A large enough number of people with immunity, mobilized intelligently, could not only help prevent new infections but also help remedy some of the inequalities that the crisis has exacerbated.
See more here:
In the Midst of the Coronavirus Crisis, We Must Start Envisioning the Future Now - The New Yorker
- A New Price Tag for Breast Cancer Genetic Testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic testing technologies - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Prostate Cancer Genetic testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - One of the Best Things to Happen to Me - littlemamauk - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- BowelGene - genetic testing - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Fact Sheet - National Cancer Institute [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2015]
- FAQ About Genetic Testing - Genome.gov [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Regulation of Genetic Tests [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2015]
- Types of Genetic Testing - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing: What You Should Know - FamilyDoctor.org [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing - BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations | Susan G. Komen [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2015]
- What is genetic testing? - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2015]
- Genomics |Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2015]
- What is genetic testing? - American Cancer Society [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2015]
- Genetic testing - WebMD [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing and Screening | Florida Hospital [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Toledo OH - DNA Diagnostics Center [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2015]
- Genetics - Genetic testing and counselling - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2015]
- Genetic Testing Germantown MD - DNA Diagnostics Center [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2016]
- GeneDx | Genetic Testing Company | The DNA Diagnostic Experts [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - kidshealth.org [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2016]
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Breastcancer.org - Breast Cancer ... [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2016]
- Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Testing - Genome.gov [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2016]
- Pregnancy & Prenatal Testing: Genetic Testing for Inherited ... [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Family Caregiver Alliance [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - American Medical Association [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Cancer Treatment | CTCA [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2016]
- genome.gov - FAQ About Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2016]
- Family Cancer Genetics Program at UC San Diego Moores ... [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2016]
- Genetic Testing - Benefits, costs, and risks of genetic testing [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Myriad Genetics | Healthcare Professionals | About Genetic ... [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Gluten-Free Society [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic testing - Canadian Cancer Society [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- genetic testing | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing: Best Defense Against Breast Cancer? [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Genetic Testing | Issue List [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2016]
- Jewish Genetics, Part 1: Jewish Populations (Ashkenazim ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- What Is Genetic Testing -- Information About Genetic Testing [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2016]
- Genetic Testing Report - genome.gov [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2016]
- Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetic Testing ... [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2016]
- Genetics and Cancer | American Cancer Society [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Genetic testing - FSH Society [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Myriad Genetics | Patients & Families | Genetic Testing 101 [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- FAQ About Genetic Testing - National Human Genome Research ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetic testing - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2016]
- Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk | Cancer.Net [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment and Counseling (PDQ ... [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2016]
- Patients Who Tested Positive For Genetic Mutations Fear Bias ... - NPR - NPR [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetic Testing for the Healthy - Harvard Medical School (registration) [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetic testing Overview - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- The real reason why all women should get their DNA tested - Quartz [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- DNA insurance: Why genetic testing could revolutionise the industry - Verdict [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Everything you need to know about the Government plan for genetic testing to treat cancer patients - BreakingNews.ie [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Greater access to genetic testing needed for cancer diagnosis and treatment - Cancer Research UK [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Chief medical officer calls for gene testing revolution - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Genetic Testing Facilities and Cost - Breastcancer.org [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Greater access to genetic testing needed for cancer diagnosis and ... - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Outlook 2022 - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Invitae: Growth in Genetic Testing - Moneyshow.com (registration) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Cystic Fibrosis Among Asians: Why Ethnicity-Based Genetic Testing is Obsolete - PLoS Blogs (blog) [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Hospital gets cardiac genetic test service created in memory of broadcaster's son - Belfast Telegraph [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- David Frost cardiac genetic testing service opens - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- UK's chief medical officer calls for gene testing revolution in cancer treatment - Daily Nation [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Konica Minolta buys US genetic test maker in $1B deal - BioPharma Dive [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Checking the cost of a genetic test - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2017]
- Genomic Testing in Oncology: From Single Genes to Whole Genomes - Labiotech.eu (blog) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing Can Be a Trip Down the Rabbit Hole - Newswise (press release) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- DNA Diagnostics Center brings four genetic testing options to retail - Drug Store News [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Jeans for Genes Day stall at Taree City Centre - Gloucester Advocate [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- She thought she was Irish until a DNA test opened a 100-year-old mystery - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetic testing: The new way to identify and train elite athletes? - USA TODAY High School Sports [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Mail order genetic tests for health risks. How much do you want to ... - KOMO News [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetic Testing: Finding the cause of your infertility ... [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- SF's Invitae to acquire two prenatal genetic screening firms - SFGate [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- For Indian doctors, it's written in the genes not stars - Economic Times [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]