March 27 2008 / by Venessa Posavec
Category: Business & Work Year: 2008 Month: Mar Rating: 6
Yesterday we outlined the
falling costs of full human genome sequencing, and how it may well
hit a magic price point within the next year or two. Now, we’re
looking at the implications of mandatory genetic testing by doctors
and employers, and what that might mean for insurance and
employment. 
As clinically available genetic tests become increasingly
affordable that brings us to the cusp of the era of personal
genomics. It won’t be long before your entire genome can be
sequenced for under $1,000, and that service may even get
integrated into health care plans. But what happens if the test
isn’t optional anymore? There are growing public fears that doctors
and employers could enforce testing, and use it as a source of
discrimination.
Could poor genetic makeup become grounds for limiting or denying
access to insurance or a job? Could we end up living in a
Gattaca -like
future?
A
policy document pushing for federal legislation to protect the
public against genetic discrimination was just recently released by
the American College of Physicians (ACP). The monograph included
six policy positions, which covered the need for uniform state and
federal protection, and specific prohibition against genetic
testing usage for insurance or employment decisions.
Failure to implement those positions would not only be bad for
individuals, but could also destroy the potential for greater
public health benefits. According to the report, “fears of genetic
discrimination have limited individuals’ participation in medical
research studies, thus negatively impacting advances in medical and
scientific knowledge and development of new technologies.”
Now we’ll just have to wait to see how Congress responds. And if
these laws aren’t passed, we’re bound to be in for some interesting
times.
For example, what if job applications required both a resume and
your genetic file? You can tailor a resume to help you put your
best foot forward, but how could you change your genes?
Or might a new black market be created, where hackers seek to
recreate your genome on paper, or simply steal someone else’s? That
would be the ultimate in identity theft.
We need to pay close attention to how this plays out, because if
we lose the right to genetic privacy then what’s next?
(via
Eurekalert)
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