Genetic testing in relation to insurance has been an issue since the start of the Human Genome Project. Advances in technology have significantly increased the precision and availability of genetic testing. These tests can predict the possibility of future illnesses in individuals or can rule out alleged genetic conditions. As genetic testing became more prominent, interest in the use of genetic information increased. Concerns about to whom the information is disclosed and how the information is being used have arisen. Morris admits that in a case study that was conducted in Ireland, 20.6% of the participating respondents voiced their belief that there may be benefits from disclosing genetic tests results to insurers and the other 73.4% of the respondents stated that insurance should not use genetic tests as a basis for deciding on whether or not to insure an applicant (2010). Genetic tests should not be disclosed to insurance companies because of the potential for discrimination in health insurance coverage and the workplace and because of insufficient anti- discrimination legislation.
Insurance companies are concerned that the principles their business rests upon will deteriorate if they are denied access to genetic test information (Morris, 2010). Life insurance is based upon the concept that premium paid by an individual is adequate in covering the risk that individual brings into the insurance fund. Morris pointed out that currently, life insurance companies already have the right to differentiate premiums based on the risk that each applicant has (2010). In order to classify applicants by risk insurers uses a process called medical underwriting. Medical underwriting is a health insurance term referring to the use of medical...
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...ight to voice our opinions and our recommendations. We need to have our government and the insurance companies working together. They need to create a balance between the premiums that an individual with a genetic condition has to pay and the current health and life insurance systems. If this balance is unachievable then we need to think about obtaining a health care system with guaranteed health insurance coverage for all. As a society, we need to answer all the fundamental questions that we have regarding genetic testing and insurance coverage. Then we need to expand our knowledge of the current policy options and assist in modifying or correcting our legislations. It is essential to analyze every aspect and concern that arises in order to help ensure that we are not prohibiting ourselves from moving forward to where new opportunities and challenges await us.
Guidelines like these need to be formed into a federal law that people can pass in one way or another so that we can be protected from the various forms of discrimination that is possible with this kind of information. The public should be aware of what could happen if this kind of information could become public knowledge, and of the opportunities that the knowledge brings. There is no doubt that the information from genetic analysis is going to help a lot of people with all sorts of problems live longer and healthier lives. The only problem is that we have to keep the information in the hands of those who need it, and out of the hands of those who would use the information to profit or discriminate.
Teutch, S., & Tuckson, R. Department of Health & Human Services, (2008). U.S. system of oversight of genetic testing: A response to the charge of the secretary of health and human services. Retrieved from website: http://osp.od.nih.gov/sites/default/files/SACGHS_oversight_report.pdf
Imagine being discriminated because of something beyond your control. This type of discrimination is called genetic discrimination which is when one is discriminated and or treated differently by their employment or insurance company because of their genetic makeup (National Institutes of Health). The phobia of genetic discrimination is gripping many people around the world. People find themselves asking, “Could my genetic makeup raise my health bills? Could this cause me to be rejected from a career opportunity?” Because of genetic discrimination, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act was created. The purpose of this act is to protect Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health. Although this law was created, genetic discrimination still happens today. Genetic discrimination may exist for potential reasons but it is still inequitable and wrong due to its negative effect on society and the great harm it can cause.
The genetic technology revolution has proved to be both a blessing and a blight. The Human Genome Project is aimed at mapping and sequencing the entire human genome. DNA chips are loaded with information about human genes. The chip reveals specific information about the individuals’ health and genetic makeup (Richmond & Germov 2009).The technology has been described as a milestone by many in that it facilitates research, screening, and treatment of genetic conditions. However, there have been fears that the technology permits a reduction in privacy when the information is disclosed. Many argue that genetic information can also be used unfairly to discriminate against or stigmatize individuals (Willis 2009).
DNA profiles can reveal personal information about present and future health, as well as genetic disorders not yet known to the individual (Should DNA testing be conducted without the consent of the subject? 2002, p.1). DNA also ‘contains information with implications for that person’s family’ (Should DNA testing be conducted without the consent of the subject? 2002, p.1). It can provide information about an individual and their genetic relatives, especially in regard to paternity and non-paternity, adoption, or artificial reproduction. This ‘familial and predictive’ nature of DNA emphasises the need to keep genetic information entirely disclosed to the individual to whom it belongs (Should DNA testing be conducted without the consent of the subject? 2002, p.1). The establishment of DNA databases for all citizens, however, can heavily threaten this right to
Testing of one kind or another has always been very common in the job application process, whether it’s the testing of one’s skill sets through an application or drug testing. Now, through scientific advances of the Human Genome Project, a new type of testing has become available to employers: genetic testing. This new sort of testing would detect any genetic problems in a potential employee’s DNA, including genetic predisposition for disease and possible health concerns in the future. Genetic testing could be beneficial to companies monetarily, as it would be a way to screen their employees for long term, damaging factors which could be expensive for the company. The legal right to do so, however, is a controversial issue in the business world. Many people regard it as an invasion of privacy, an open invitation for bias in hiring pools, and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (French). Genetic testing could be used in both the hiring process, and as an attempt for companies to cater to their employees’ needs. It could also, however, be used as a tool of discrimination against those with minor or major genetic abnormalities. Many ethical issues are raised: does a person have a right to anonymity in their DNA? Should employers discriminate against those with genetic problems, a factor out of the subject’s control? These disputes and more are what make genetic testing in the workplace a contentious topic today. Unless an act, such as the Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance and Employment Act, is passed, discrimination will run rampant through the job market, injuring the modern employee in the process. Despite the quantity of information about employees that could be retriev...
Genetic screening has been a subject of debate for quite some time now. Beginning in the 1990s, when it became prevalent owing to the increasing research into the cause of diseases (Chadwick, 1). Screening brought advantages— the chance to see what diseases or cancers one may be at risk for, an opportunity to take a glimpse inside of one’s personal genome (Tree.com). However, as genetic screening became more and more common, it brought with it just as many disadvantages. Genetic screening found its way into corporate boardrooms and insurance companies, creating large amounts of discrimination against employees where genetic make-up revealed a disposition to certain diseases. Despite acts prohibiting genetic discrimination, such as the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), insurance companies today still use results from genetic screening tests to deny people medical coverage that they need (Hill). Insurance companies should not be permitted to use genetic screening in their application process as it creates discrimination against the individual as well as entire races, and the information is not reliable.
Many things are changing at an extremely rapid rate in our society. The new advances in the areas of science and biotechnology are raising many ethical and moral dilemmas for everyone. No one will be left unaffected. Everyone will have to make a decision and take a stand on these issues. I will discuss advancements of genetic screening and testing. The first step to any ethical problem is to understand the topic. It is difficult to formulate accurate ideas without knowledge about the topic, so first I will provide a little background information on genetic screening. I will then point out some of the areas of controversy associated with genetic screening, and finally I will discuss my view on the topic.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the legislative process and healthcare lobbying. This paper will discuss the political issue of genetic testing. It will explore arguments of both those for the issue and those against it. I will share my opinion on this particular political issue. In addition, this paper will also display a mock letter to Senator Keith Faber, in which I will attempt to sway him to my opinion.
Morris, D. T. (1993). Cost containment and reproductive autonomy: Prenatal genetic screening and the American health security act of 1993. American Journal of Law & Medicine, 20, 295-316.
In today’s world, people are learning a great deal in the rapidly growing and developing fields of science and technology. Almost each day, an individual can see or hear about new discoveries and advances in these fields of study. One science that is rapidly progressing is genetic testing; a valuable science that promotes prevention efforts for genetically susceptible people and provides new strategies for disease management. Unnaturally, and morally wrong, genetic testing is a controversial science that manipulates human ethics. Although genetic testing has enormous advantages, the uncertainties of genetic testing will depreciate our quality of life, and thereby result in psychological burden, discrimination, and abortion.
...etic tests, I believe that both before and after genetic tests individuals should be required to meet with genetic counselors that help explain the test and interpret the results. Finally, although legislation preventing insurance and employment discrimination based on a person's genetic makeup already exists in many states, I think that additional laws need to be enacted that deny insurance companies and employers access to genetic information without a person's consent. As Matt Ridley (1999) states, a person's genome is his or her "own property," and people should be given complete freedom to decide to whom to disclose their genetic information (p. 269).
First of all, I want to start by saying that I 'm not discriminating the disabled community, but this is a very large number that could possibly be diminished with the help of genetic testing. (1) I believe that there is nothing wrong with testing the genes of an unborn child to possibly determine if it could develop a genetic disorder in the future. One of the advantages that genetic testing provides is that the parents could now be informed of the situation, and keep track of their unborn child 's health. I 'm sure those parents are pleased with this technology, and the chances to be able to keep track of their baby. This a baby, and is something very precious, and valuable, and I believe that parents want to keep track of anything that may happen with the unborn child. I 'm sure that a large amount of people would agree would agree that they don 't want to suddenly take the hard hit. When the news is presented in the delivery room. This serves more as an advantage than a disadvantage, due to the fact parents. Pull be more prepared, or possibly have the option to abort it. This is a right that the parents should have regardless of the opposing side arguments towards it. Im a hundred percent sure that the opposing side has very strong arguments towards genetics testing, and one of the main ones is "playing God." The opposing side believed that some things in
These modifications might be undetectable by standard tests, however, genetic testing could potentially shed some light in this area. At the present, genetic testing (DNA analysis) is used to diagnose genetic diseases and alert people who may be at risk for various ailments. A couple of possible benefits of genetic testing include early treatment for a disease and more informed reproductive choices. This kind of testing, however, also presents itself with new issues. For instance, a medical insurance company might consider someone who possesses a gene associated with disease to have a preexisting condition. Employers can potentially use genetic information to discriminate against their employees. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a law passed in 2008 that ensures genetic tests cannot be used to deny coverage or set higher insurance
... idea to take part in. Genetic testing can lead to a global preparation for parents to look out for their children. The genetic test results can determine so much for the children and what they might get passed down to them whether its diabetes, cancer, or any other illness or disease.