Your DNA: Who Has Access to it and How it Should Be Used

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Recommended: Ethical issues to genetic testing

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is self-replicating, double helix structure that is present in nearly all living organisms, and are the carriers of genetic information. They are unique for every individual; are the distinctive characteristics or qualities of an organism.
A genetic test is defined as “an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites, to detect genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes.” (TERRY) Now why is it a concern as to who, where and how this information is passed along? When people agree to be screened for certain conditions, other results may also show up. For example, you get screened for breast cancer, but amidst that test they also find that you have the gene that could predispose you of heart conditions. The question that arise would be whether or not this information should be disclosed to the patients. Having the genes that could cause an array of issues does not condition one to develop these issues. Telling patients these possibilities could be positive or negative.
Knowledge of one’s own DNA could be positive because these mutations or genes could severely affect the individual(s) and in the case of having children, they could choose to screen their gametes so the gene/ mutation does not continue down their lineage. Negative responses could also arise. This knowledge could forever limit the extent in which one lives their lives. These genetic screenings show that the gene or mutation is present, but it does not say for certain that they gene/ mutation would be active. It could stay dormant all their lives, but because that is not known, people would forever live in fear that it would happen.
A persons DNA carries a multitude of information about themselves, this information is p...

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...of law abiding citizens. The concern with these databases are that they would be targeted by hackers or be misused by government officials.

Works Cited

1. Callier, Shawneequa L., John Huss, and Eric T. Juengst. "GINA and preemployment criminal background checks." The Hastings Center Report Jan.-Feb. 2010: 15+.Science in Context. Web. 21 May 2014.
2. Lerner, Adrienne Wilmoth. "Individual Privacy Rights." Biotechnology: In Context. Ed. Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and K. Lee Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2012. In Context Series.Science in Context. Web. 21 May 2014.
3. Terry, Sharon F. "Genetic information nondiscrimination act insurance protections issued." Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers 13.6 (2009): 709+. Science in Context. Web. 21 May 2014.
4. Peikoff, Kira. "Fearing Punishment for Bad Genes." New York Times 8 Apr. 2014: D1(L). Science in Context. Web. 22 May 2014.

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