Pros And Cons Of Genetic Discrimination

1062 Words5 Pages

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 that although scientific advances can open up a world of possibilities of finding causes and cures, something needed to be …show more content…

For instance, if one learned results from genetic testing that the odds were probable that an impairment or handicap would occur in the future, one may be compelled to advise genetically related family members of the results (Van Camp, 2014). Although feeling compelled, one would personally take into consideration the other individuals lives, the extent and severity of the impairment, quality of life, and the prognosis. Meaning, is the impairment so severe that it needs to be brought to their attention or should it be done from the perspective of simply suggesting genetic testing for themselves or going to a physician for a route physical. Personally, it is of the belief that instances can occur in which individuals can be worked up for something little or nothing all, which can lead to health issues as well so, it would be very dependent on the severity and significance of the …show more content…

It is of the opinion that this alone does not justify an abortion to the unborn, there are many more points to consider. The key word in this situation is probability, there has not been any information that suggests genetic testing is one-hundred percent guaranteed. It is believed that in order to make an informed and ethical decision the term probability would have to clearly be defined. The other term to consider a need of clarification is serious, what one may think serious means, another may have a whole different meaning and level of severity. Then there is also the question about a cure, it was mentioned that a cure does not exist, but what is not said is that the fetus can or cannot live a decent life without a cure. For instance, there may be a possibility that medication can help an individual live a so-called adequate life even if there is not a cure. In addition, what someone deems decent life should also be questioned, it is of personal opinion there is a big difference between a missing a limb as opposed to being bed ridden without the ability to function on one’s

More about Pros And Cons Of Genetic Discrimination