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Discrimination and Genetic Diseases

Did you know you can be denied health insurance even when you need it most? People with a family history of genetic diseases are. “‘Ultimately asymptomatic individuals at genetic risk are at similar risk for discrimination because their label of having a family history of disease.’”

An article written in 2009, ‘Individuals with family history of genetic disease at risk of discrimination’ dicusses how in the United States and Canada, insurance companies are dening people with a genetic disorder history. Because genetic diseases can be inherited, insurance companies will turn down people with a family history of them, because individuals may be at risk, for developing diseases like Huntington’s. Huntington’s is a genetic disease for which there is not a cure or treatment.  “Around 40% of respondents said they experienced discrimination, primarily by insurance companies. (1 in 3)”

One thing I will take away from this unit is being informed about  the small dangers of genetic testing. While genetic screening can be helpful to diagnose at risk individuals, people like insurance companies will use genetic information against their client. Another thing I am taking away from this article is a perspective of the United States Government.  Because of such fear that genetics were being used against citizens, the US Government “passed legislation preventing health insurance companies and employers using genetic information.” In the past Biology unit, my respect for the government, mainly the Justice System decreased. Because the government is taking action on the use of genetics, and such an important cause, it makes me hopeful that  we are headed in the right direction.

Read this article by clicking here.