The impact of “Big Data” on beginning-of-life issues

This chapter aims to analyze the impact of the rise of Big Data, including ethical issues, particularly on the “beginning-of-life” topic. This was carried out in the light of updated available scientific literature. We have structured the chapter in three main parts: the first one is a general overview on Big Data as a whole, as it exceeds Biomedicine field; the second one reviews of main questions and applications of Big Data in healthcare; and the third one analyzes its potential usage and bioethical issues generated by it when detailing beginning-of-life issues. We have critically reviewed the main issues, including ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) appertaining to this topic and found that, even if Big Data era is in its infancy in this field, both from theoretical and operational points of view, it has a major development potential, and stakeholders should take it into account and use it at its full potential.