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[Cube Jockey]

Today the FDA Approved the use of implantable chips that will allow doctors to scan a patient's arm and get access to detailed medical records.

It's the first time the FDA has approved medical use of the device, though in Mexico, more than 1,000 scannable chips have been implanted in patients. The chip's serial number pulls up the patients' blood type and other medical information.

With the pinch of a syringe, the microchip is inserted under the skin in a procedure that takes less than 20 minutes and leaves no stitches.

Silently and invisibly, the dormant chip stores a code -- similar to the identifying UPC code on products sold in retail stores -- that releases patient-specific information when a scanner passes over the chip.

At the doctor's office those codes stamped onto chips, once scanned, would reveal such information as a patient's allergies and prior treatments.

Questions for debate:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technology? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Is this a good use of technology or a danger to privacy?

[perplexiglass]

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technology? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
2. Is this a good use of technology or a danger to privacy?

There is an advantage to implantable chips for those who need to carry medical information on their person at all times. You've probably seen the life alert bracelets and necklaces diabetics and epileptics often wear. Most of these only allow for up to 12 words maximum. They are unattractive. Imagine for a moment you are a young woman, forced to choose between a potential health risk and wearing an ugly piece of jewelry that also serves as a constant reminder that she has a medical problem. Now imagine that there is an alternative, like the chip, which lies under the skin and has the ability to give access to far more information. I think the chip would be preferable.

I don't believe privacy would be an issue.

-Jessica