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By JILL ESTERBROOKS, Special to the Daily Transcript
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
The events of Sept. 11, 2001 have triggered a renewed focus by the United States on bioterrorism, according to Karen Dow, a law partner in the San Diego office of Morrison & Foerster.
"In the last year, I've noticed an increase in the number of clients who are interested in treating people exposed to biological agents," said Dow, whose legal practice is in the area of medical patents.
She said that because of the increased governmental costs associated with homeland security, money now is being diverted from other medical research programs and funneled instead to programs and services to counter any future terrorists attacks -- including biological weapons.
"More and more government funding will be used to fight terrorism rather than to address general health matters," Dow said.
9/11 always will be an important day in U.S. history, she said, but its impact on the future depends upon our actions as a nation.
"If there is increased violence or war throughout the world, our country will continue to be a target for terrorism," Dow said. "And if that happens, then Sept. 11 will be viewed as the beginning of a new -- less secure -- era."
Esterbrooks is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
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