Genetic research is a major, upcoming field of study. Its promise in the areas of early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and cures for many diseases, syndromes, and disorders is staggering. However, genetic research is a highly controversial issue. For some, despite the countless benefits, there are dangers and issues with the study. Many of the issues brought up have already been overcome, and the others are mere risks that occur with any scientific research. With that being said, genetic research is the path of the future and is the possible answer to many of our medical questions today. People fear that it is too complex for us to fully understand the consequences. Their concerns range from unknown patient side effects to the vectors incorrectly …show more content…
Many fear that if they are successful in fully mapping out, diagnosing, and evaluating the risks of patients for certain medical conditions that it could be used against them. This is a rational fear, as many insurance companies use your health records and history to evaluate the cost of insurance for their customers. Many Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plans will turn down applicants if there is presymptomatic testing that shows they are at risk of a disease. It has even been stated by the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups that genetic information from participation in research can become known to others. According to a poll taken nationwide, ninety percent of respondents believe that it should be illegal for insurance companies to decide on who to insure and for how much (Friesen, 1997). This is logical and very hard to argue against. This has been a legal issue for many years, and so far has been Federally decided to be left up to the states to regulate. Many states, including Indiana have thus proposed legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from forcing people to be genetically tested or to place inquiries into genetic testing results. Sadly, insurance companies have a right to have access medical records which would include genetic results (Friesen, 1997). This is an issue for the legal system that will have to be decided in courts over a period of