The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing

Is your family tree carrying a genetic disorder? A genetic disorder is a genetic problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome. A genetic disorder is also a inherited disorder. The science of genetics was born with the experiments of Gregor Mendel, a nineteenth century austrian monk who studied inheritance patterns. The most common genetic disorder is Cystic Fibrosis, which results in a lack of a certain protein is present and the balance of chloride in the body isn’t restricted. Many people with genetic disorders have been discriminated against. Genetic discrimination occurs when people are treated differently by their employer or insurance company because they have a gene mutation that may become a inherited disorder. There are

A person would be denied full coverage because they have undergone a genetic test. Like Kate Aubusson said “Insurers are able to discriminate against individuals who undergo genetic testing, and that threatens to hobble genomic research.” This shows that the discrimination of full coverage on genetic disordered people has a good and bad side. The good said is that a person gets their genetic testing done then they know for sure that they have a disorder and that it helps research find a cure. The bad side is that once you get your genetic testing done that puts you up at risk for denied coverage and job openings. “ Insurers can deny cover ot hike up premiums for healthy individuals who discover they carry a mutation for a condition they may never develop based on the testing results.” However, there is a way to help “ Anyone who receives their results of genetic testing as part of a research project needs to disclose them to insurers if asked, despite the Human Genetics Society of Australasia calling for research findings to be excluded. “ both stated by the Sydney Morning Herald. This shows that once your results are out there is nothing much you can do to keep them

For example in 2008, “ when the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act prohibited employers nationwide from requesting, requiring or purchasing genetic information, and from discriminating on the basis of that information. It also prohibited insurance companies from denying or canceling coverage because of genetic test results. After that, it seemed my insurer, employer and government were working together to keep me healthy.” However, “ If Congress passes this law, it will be opening the door to state-sanctioned health discrimination. And if employers can get and act upon workers' private health information, everyone will be in trouble, not just mutants like me. The overweight, pregnant, diabetics, people with high blood pressure or poor exercise habits -- all could potentially be penalized.” stated by The New York TImes. This goes to show that people with genetic mutations are being discriminated because of their disorder. By passing a law that goes through the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act they are causing a negative effect on the people. For example, Louise Aronson had said that “ it could discourage patients from seeking preventive care. Among the wonders of this time in medical history are my knowledge of my mutant gene and my ability to do something about it; available procedures can lower my lifetime risk of developing cancer, which would