Should Employers Require Genetic Screening for Hiring? In the past couple of years, the controversy over genetic testing of employees has risen dramatically. In 2008, the Genetic Information Discrimination Act, or GINA, was created as genetic testing became more inexpensive and readily available. “GINA, as a rule, bars employers from insisting on genetic testing of their workers, except if that testing is offered as part of a wellness program and is voluntary on the part of the worker” (Mangan). As time has passed, more and more employers have begun ignoring this law. Genetic screening of future employees should not occur as the hiring process becomes discriminatory, the genetic results aren’t entirely conclusive, and the results can bring an emotional toll on the individual. Choosing to not hire someone based upon their genetic profile is considered discrimination. Genes are fixed characteristics that cannot be changed, just like race or ethnic heritage. The hiree doesn't have any choice in his/her family traits. The discrimination hits races as well. Certain genetic traits are more common in certain races. For example, 1 in 12 African Americans have a sickle cell allele, but only 1 in 1,000 Caucasians do (Andre and …show more content…
According to the Mayo Clinic, “If you were having gene testing to determine if you might develop a certain disease, a positive test doesn't necessarily mean you will get that disorder” (“Genetic Testing Results”). While a positive result leans towards an increased likelihood, many other factors will be added into the chances. Sometimes the tests even project the wrong allele. “In a study in which researchers gave nine labs a genetic variant and asked them to analyze it, the labs gave different answers 22% of the time” (Schumaker). The tests work well enough to get a basis for a talk with a doctor, but alone the tests only tell what could