Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act : Overview, Success And Future Concerns

   The Human Genome Project is the largest scientific endeavor undertaken since the Manhattan Project, and, as with the Manhattan Project, the completion of the Human Genome Project has brought to surface many moral and ethical issues concerning the use of the knowledge gained from the project. Although genetic tests for certain diseases have been available for 15 years (Ridley, 1999), the completion of the Human Genome Project will certainly lead to an exponential increase in the number of genetic tests available. Therefore, before genetic testing becomes a routine part of a visit to a doctor's office, the two main questions at the heart of the controversy surrounding genetic testing must be

The genetic information nondiscrimination act of 2008 protects people from losing their health insurance or employment due to genetic discrimination. The health insurance and portability act of 1966 (HIPAA) aids in prohibiting health insurers from being involved with genetic discrimination. States that publishing personal information will result in fines up to $250,000 and up to 10 years in jail.

Bodily privacy is a significant issue in Genetic Profiling, as it is a human right which is in constant need of law reform. Technology is continually advancing, and genetic

This law protects many people from discrimination and it means that people should not be at a disadvantage or mistreated at work or in society just because of their age, sex, sexuality, religion or belief, race, disability or any other things which can also be known as ‘protected characteristics’.

Human Genome Project The Human Genome Project is an international project basically sponsored by the U.S Government. It started in October 1990 with an aim to sequence the entire human genome. The complete set of information present in the form of the genes in an organism forms its genome. Each human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes having DNA double helix in each.

The benefits of genetic science for society is for employers who want to know if their employers are in excellent working condition and if the worker will cause them more money when obtaining health insurance. If an employer hires someone that that is healthy then the cost of health insurance does not rise and the employee will not have to downgrade their health insurance plan so that they can accommodate the employee that is not healthy. The limitations of genetic science for society are the possibility of genetic testing causing safety issues at work, the development of a genetic low class, the breach of privilege and confidentiality, and the utilization of genetic bias to excuse different methods of discrimination (Krumm, 2002).

2008 - The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) - prohibits insurances to discriminate against genetic makeup

The ACLU believes that our medical and genetic information should be private and kept protected. No one should be able to demand this information and have it simply handed over. If a prospective employer pulled the medical records for their prospective employees, what would they find? Prescription drugs that may indicate mental health issues? Treatment for a “taboo” disease? Having this information easily accessible could be just another tool for discrimination. In the case Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program v Drug Enforcement Administration, the ACLU protected private prescription drug information by arguing a probable cause warrant is needed before law enforcement obtains confidential prescription records. In Maryland v King, the government wanted to collect DNA samples from arrested individuals that had not been convicted of a crime. The ACLU opposed this expansion of DNA databases beyond convicted criminals, stating it provided no great benefit and was a major breach of privacy

Despite all of the progress that has made towards equal opportunity, discrimination is still a major problem in the United States of America. A relatively new phenomenon, titled genetic discrimination, occurs when individuals are discriminated against on account of their genetic information. On May 21st, 2008, the GINA Act was passed, making it illegal to refuse to provide employment or health insurance to individuals based on their genetic information in all U.S. states and territories. Title I prevents genetic discrimination in health coverage, while Title II prevents genetic discrimination in employment. Title I took effect on May 21st, 2009, and Title II took effect eighteen months later on November 21st, 2009. With the GINA Act, it is

An Enhanced Genotype: Ethical Issues Involved with Genetic Engineering and their Impact as Revealed by Brave New World

Before discussion of the ethical, legal and social issues can be successful, some background information is needed. For example, why is the goal of mapping the human genome important? Who is going to benefit or at least be affected by this new

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).

Genetic information can be identified at any point throughout a person’s lifespan from pre-conception until after death. In addition to heritable, biological information, family history, genetic test results, and medical records are also sources of genetic information” (Jenkins & Lea, 2005). We are put in a position to gather and retain information that could be utilized for a better future, but is confidentiality involved for the sake of profiting? Ask yourself, who should have access to genetic information? Who owns and controls it? How can families resolve conflicts when some members want to be tested for a genetic disorder and others do not?

The fear of genetic discrimination is a phobia gripping many people around the world. People find themselves asking, could my genetic information raise my health bills? Could this cause me to be rejected from a job opportunity? These anxieties are causing people to lash out at genetic research, and ultimately the human genome project. People do not want our understanding of human genomics to advance. This is because the risks of the development of the technology could inflict on them. A major risk is genetic discrimination. I believe that genetic discrimination is wrong and governments should continue to prevent it because it is an invasion of privacy, it violates equity, and it could really hurt people with genetic

2. Is it right to use genetic screening as a tool to keep tabs on their prospective enrollees?