The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing

The history of DNA testing goes as far back as the 1920s when scientists first identified blood types in humans, which was initially used for medical procedures. Through the 1990’s other relevant blood typing procedures were used to identify individuals, as in forensics, biological relationships, as well as targeting specific regions were mutations or markers are found. In the 2000’s scientist developed different types of genetic tests to identify ancestry, predisposition to genetic medical and/or mental diseases (The History of DNA, 2018). This recent advance in genetic testing provides people with information about their health and can help them make informed decision about managing their health, as well as lifestyle changes or deciding not to have children if you discover that you are a carrier of a genetic disorder. The test itself has no physical risks. However, emotional, social, or

Therefore, society needs to be careful and not allow genetic testing to diminish our right to privacy and confidentiality. Genetic testing can provide only limited information about an inherited condition and cannot conclude if or when a person will show signs of a disorder or its severity (National Library of Medicine, 2018). The majority of diseases can be attributed to environmental factors, including occupation, diet, and lifestyle (Genetic Information and the Workplace, 1998). While genetic testing can provide valuable information for individuals with known family history of cancers or other diseases, the pros and cons for the tests need to be carefully weighed, the information shared wisely and carefully protected. “Alleviating the fear was one of the primary purposes of GINA, so that we would all benefit from these advances in genetic medicine, rather than having to hide from them (Shapiro,