Difference between revisions of "Genetic Non-Discrimination"
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Recent advancements in genetic research and clinical screening have enabled health care providers to test patients for a growing number of genetic diseases and predispositions to diseases. Along with the many benefits provided through genetic testing, ethical issues arise about the use and privacy of an individual’s genetic information. This information is stored in a person’s medical record. Because a medical record is not always private, the information has the potential of being used by an employer or insurer to deny insurance coverage or employment. | Recent advancements in genetic research and clinical screening have enabled health care providers to test patients for a growing number of genetic diseases and predispositions to diseases. Along with the many benefits provided through genetic testing, ethical issues arise about the use and privacy of an individual’s genetic information. This information is stored in a person’s medical record. Because a medical record is not always private, the information has the potential of being used by an employer or insurer to deny insurance coverage or employment. | ||
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| + | Genomics is the study of the genome and its use of genes. It is a relatively young field, but has gained much attention through successes like the Human Genome Project, where experts have mapped the human genome. In 2003, the human genome sequence was completed, and thus began an era known as the Genomic Era. One discovery made through the Human Genome Project is that the genomic sequence for any two humans is 99.9% identical. Regardless, the many combinations of gene expressions still account for millions of differences (U.S. Senate). Francis Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has written, "It is estimated that all of us carry dozens of glitches in our DNA--so establishing principles of fair use of this information is important for all of us" (U.S. Senate). | ||
[[Category:Blogposium]] | [[Category:Blogposium]] | ||
[[Category:Genetics]] | [[Category:Genetics]] | ||
[[Category:Right to privacy]] | [[Category:Right to privacy]] | ||
Revision as of 15:33, 18 April 2006
Recent advancements in genetic research and clinical screening have enabled health care providers to test patients for a growing number of genetic diseases and predispositions to diseases. Along with the many benefits provided through genetic testing, ethical issues arise about the use and privacy of an individual’s genetic information. This information is stored in a person’s medical record. Because a medical record is not always private, the information has the potential of being used by an employer or insurer to deny insurance coverage or employment.
Genomics is the study of the genome and its use of genes. It is a relatively young field, but has gained much attention through successes like the Human Genome Project, where experts have mapped the human genome. In 2003, the human genome sequence was completed, and thus began an era known as the Genomic Era. One discovery made through the Human Genome Project is that the genomic sequence for any two humans is 99.9% identical. Regardless, the many combinations of gene expressions still account for millions of differences (U.S. Senate). Francis Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has written, "It is estimated that all of us carry dozens of glitches in our DNA--so establishing principles of fair use of this information is important for all of us" (U.S. Senate).
