If genetic testing became widely available and most Americans were tested, should insurance providers be given access to individual test results?

GENETIC TESTING AND GENETIC THERAPY

If genetic testing became widely available and most Americans were tested, should insurance providers be given access to individual test results?

Insurance companies have no right to access their clients’ genetic test results. As long as the client is submitting their premiums, disclosing such information will be a breach of privacy, which is unethical in the business sector. Insurers may as well use test results against some of their clients, hence genetic discrimination (Hall & Rich, 2000).

Should individuals let genetic testing influence major life decisions?

Genetic screening helps one make important life decisions. With the results, one may plan their family, retirement age and amount of investments to make for a secure future. However, negative results should not make one change their perception of life. Generally, if one goes for genetic screening, they should use the results to make only positive decisions in life, even if the results are negative (Russell, 1996)

Should couples use genetic testing to determine their partners’ capacity for disease?

The choice to undergo genetic testing is voluntary and personal, so should not be forced on anyone. However, it is advisable for couples to undergo genetic screening to determine their capacity for disease. This way, they will plan their families depending on the results they obtain. As long as the results will not lead to conflicts and discrimination, then genetic testing is recommended for couples.

Is gene therapy currently safe enough for use by the general public?

Currently, there are no licensed gene therapy products as they are still being investigated to confirm their safety. Gene therapy is still under clinical trial stage and has not been fully approved. People participate in gene therapy voluntarily hence they must be informed of the risks and benefits of this before going for gene therapy. Signing of informed consent forms proves that the client is aware of such risks (Russell, 1996).

When gene therapy becomes available, should it be affordable for the average consumer or reserved for those who can afford it, like many other voluntary procedures?

Gene therapy is an important medical procedure and so it should be accessed equally by everyone. Everyone has a right to good health and so this should not be reserved for only those who can afford. The government must therefore play a role in this.

If money were no issue and you were given the option to undergo genetic testing and/or use gene therapy, would you?

I would consider genetic testing after weighing the pros and cons of the process. The physical risks presented are minimal. Basing on this, then I would not mind. On the other hand, the psychological risks are many and this is what would stop me.

If I test positive for a serious disease, this would completely change my life. Worrying, risk of genetic discrimination, change in family relations, and cost of preventive medical procedures would weigh me down.

However, I would consider undertaking genetic testing so as to manage well my health and make better choices in health.

References

Hall, Mark and Stephen Rich. (2000) Laws restricting health insurers’ use of genetic

information: Impact on genetic discrimination.  American Journal of Human Genetics.

Vol. 66:293-307.

Russell, Peter J. (1996).   Genetics.  New York: Harper Collins College Publishers.