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Ethical Issues In Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

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Innovative technology has led to the creation of genetic screening, which can lead to both the prevention of possible diseases but also the spread of sensitive and volatile medical knowledge. Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, which mapped out the entire genome, predictive genetic screening exploded as a “rapidly emerging field” (Fulda) in the medical universe, according to a group dedicated to the education and debate of health choices called the Institute of Medical Ethics. With complete knowledge of each piece of DNA and its function, scientists could analyze genetic material to a greater extent and predict how the structure could affect the recipient of the test. These exams use samples from a person’s body and test …show more content…

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, a government-run organization which controls innovations within genetic science, some groups believe that just the predisposition to certain genetic diseases can influence the availability of a certain insurance or whether someone is hired based on their genetic material (“Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act”). The information is potent as the discrimination could be passed on to the direct family members that have a similar genetic makeup (“Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing”). These concerns stem from either outdated or misinformed sources, as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 explicitly “protects Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health” (“Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act”). People can stay free of worry if they are aware of their protection from discrimination given to them by the law. Although genetic screening can lead to dangerous social situations, the refuge guaranteed to them by the United States government keeps genetic information safe when involving health insurance or job …show more content…

Very few people, even at-risk individuals, believe they did not want to know their disposition to hereditary hemochromatosis after receiving their results (Elsass). The people from the research show how assured knowledge of their condition remains superior to a lack of education about their personal situation. Although people believe that ignorance is bliss, research exhibits that well-informed individuals experience improved psychological effects from the knowledge of their genetic condition. If genetic tests provide solace to their subjects, why should these predictive measures and ensuing results be

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Copeland carefully selects words in the introduction to emphasize an overall nonchalance in compiling such comprehensive information, “Over the past five years, as the price of DNA testing kits has dropped and their quality has improved, the phenomenon of ‘recreational genomics’ has taken off,” (Copeland). The use of “recreational” suggests the practice of gathering broad scientific information lacks gravity. In fact, the author contrasts the word with more levity with the use of “genomics”, a concrete science that affects the structure and function of genetic information. The dramatic usage indicates to the audience that users of DNA testing are incapable of understanding all possible consequences of accessible genetic testing. Traditions of past generations provide a foundation for the identity of future generations.

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Ethical Considerations in Genetics and Genomics Ethical duties of genetic testing is a challenge among healthcare workers. Ethical dilemmas are created due to situations resulting from genetic testing. Ethical dilemmas is created when genetic testing reveals vital information to a patient and the patient refuses to disclose information to family members that can be affected. Healthcare workers are to protect the privacy of patient’s health records according to the Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)

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For Mr. Johnson to feel that mandated testing in newborns or premarital screening of African American for the sickle cell trait is an attempt by the government to cripple African Americans reproductions is unjustified. All African American newborns do not have the trait, and The Center for Disease Control requires that all states conduct a Baby’s First Test on all newborns, regardless of race. Also, all states also screen for cystic fibrosis, which is another genetically inherited disease without a cure that is common in caucasians. Mr. Johnson also is not justified in his reasoning because he does have the opt-out option. He does not have to do any precautionary testing before conceiving a child not does he have to have his child tested at birth, even if the option

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Despite the fact that this data can conceivably and drastically enhance human wellbeing, it would raise various moral, legitimate and social issues (ELSI, for example, how this data would be translated and utilized, who might have admittance to it, and by what method can culture keep hurt from despicable utilization of hereditary data. To address these issues, the ELSI Program was built up as a piece of the HGP. ELSI was made so that potential issue regions could be recognized and arrangements made before hereditary data is incorporated into cutting edge social insurance hones. This is an one of a kind perspective in light of the fact that the HGP is the first substantial experimental try to address social issues that may emerge from the task. The DOE and NIH genome programs every put aside 3-5% of their yearly spending plans for the investigation of ELSI.

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This could mean that the genes for specific genes are being selected against and may eventually be lost. Another implication of this process is that it means there is a smaller gene pool within the population as the frequency of the genetic diseases will decrease. This could be a problem for people who are living with specific diseases/conditions today as they may feel that they are being discriminated against and like people don’t want to have children that are like them. As the PGD technology develops, it could lead to people being able to choose the babies characteristics such as gender, eye colour, intelligence etc.

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Dixson (1981) found that one-third of the women surveyed remained uncertain at the time results were received. Also, at times the abnormality diagnosed prenatally, whether by chromosomal analysis, ultrasound, or specific genetic testing, is one for which the implications and prognosis are unclear. Thus, if a woman chooses to continue her pregnancy, anxiety about the outcome may be heightened; and if she elects termination of the pregnancy, she may wonder whether her decision was the "right" one. Another problem to be considered is that the decisions a woman is required to make regarding prenatal genetic testing can be very stressful ones for her and for her partner. For many couples this stress comes at a time especially when their relationship is already being redefined by the expectation of a child.

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Gattaca shows many times that genetic testing can be beneficial and has completely taken over society but at the same time provides many hardships like discrimination against certain ranks of

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Genetic Screening Genetic screening is a technology that has become very common and widely used throughout the world. There are many different types of genetic screening with different ethical implications. The most controversial and one of the most used types, is prenatal genetic screening. Prenatal genetic screening is the testing of a fetus to see if there could be any abnormalities. There are different ways that this is performed and different conditions or diseases that can be tested for.

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A genetic test can reveal that a person who is otherwise healthy has a higher risk at some point in the future of beingunable to work, or requiring extensive medical care, or otherwise being more predisposed to an adverse state of health. In turn, this information could be used to affect decisions regarding employment and insurance. Some companies have used genetic screening and/or genetic monitoring of employees and job applicants for research and other undisclosed purposesCertain countries require genetic tests to verify biological relationships amongst family members for immigration purposes. But employers and governments are not the only ones that use genetic information. Insurance companies are alsointerested in knowing who is more likely

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In a like manner, another topic for discussion that pertains to ethical obligations and individuals rights, genetic discrimination. To begin, the Genetics Home Reference website provides a clear definition, “Genetic discrimination occurs when people are treated differently by their employer or insurance company because they have a gene mutation that causes or increases the risk of an inherited disorder.” (Ghr.nlm.nih.gov. 2017, para. 1). A huge advocate in this arena is Karen Rothenberg, in an address to the government Protecting Workers from Genetic Discrimination (2007), she placed a great deal of emphasis on the fact

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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

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The thought of mapping out the human genome can be both exhilarating yet unsettling. There are many benefits and disadvantages that can arise from any genetic testing. Altshuler, Daly and Lander (2008) consider human genome mapping provides a powerful approach to identify genes and biological processes underlying any trait influenced by inheritance, including human diseases. For individuals, the main advantage from genetic mapping would have to be the prevention of diseases. Knowing which genes can pre-dispose us to certain diseases will bring a public health awareness and health promotion to a lot of individuals causing a positive impact on not only the individual themselves but on society and medicine as a whole.

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Genetic testing is frequently used to determine certain hereditary diseases that are predominate in individuals and/or families. The nurse’s guidance and support will have a positive influence on the families that are unfortunate enough to be a carrier for the life-threatening gene. When couples consider undergoing genetic testing, we as nurses should respect those decisions. In the following discussion, a couple with a genetic disorder seeking preconception genetic counseling will be assessed along with the potential issues addressed.

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GINA protects the justice of those who wish to assess their genes from bias at jobs or when using

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The topic that I have chosen to write this essay on is genetic testing and whether it is considered ethical or unethical. The medical definition of genetic testing is as follows; “Genetic testing involves examining your DNA, which is the chemical database that carries instructions for your body's functions. Genetic testing can reveal changes or alterations in your genes that may cause illness or disease”. Tests done for clinical genetic purposes. Genetic tests may be done for diverse purposes pertaining to clinical genetics, including the diagnosis of genetic disease in children and adults; the identification of future disease risks; the prediction of drug responses; and the detection of risks of disease to future children.”

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