...“Inappropriate genetic testing can threaten individual autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality and lead to various types of genetic stigmatization and discrimination without any commensurate benefit for the individual tested,” (Brandt; Rauf, 2004). When Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) tested their employees without the employees knowing about it, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stepped in and cited that BNSF violated the employee’s equal rights through discrimination and the employee’s rights of privacy. These actions “raise serious concerns that such testing could pose a significant threat to workers' privacy, autonomy, and dignity. Thus, defining the ethically, legally, and socially appropriate and inappropriate uses of genetic testing in the workplace,” (DEHS, 2001) presents a major breach in a workers legal right to privacy. One hundred and twenty-five BNSF employees filed on-the-job injury claims citing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for “years of repetitive activity such as wielding a wrench or operating a jackhammer,” (Lehrer, 2001; UNK, 2001). While investigating these claims, BNSF medical doctor required further testing of 20 employees (UNK, 2001). The medical company pulled blood for genetic testing without telling the BNSF employees what kind of test that they were performing, (Mahanna, 2001; Schafer, 2001; BNSF, 2002; Lehrer, 2001; Lewin, 2002). One employee refused to submit to the tests and BNSF threatened to terminate his job (Lewin;...
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... * ------------------------------------------------- Version List ------------------------------------------------- Recent History * ------------------------------------------------- 2006 13.386 New 2006 c 253 s 1 * ------------------------------------------------- 2013 Subd. 3 Amended 2013 c 82 s 3 * ------------------------------------------------- 2012 Subd. 4 New 2012 c 292 art 4 s 1 13.386 TREATMENT OF GENETIC INFORMATION HELD BY GOVERNMENT ENTITIES AND OTHER PERSONS. § Subdivision 1.Definition. (a) "Genetic information" means information about an identifiable individual derived from the presence, absence, alteration, or mutation of a gene, or the presence or absence of a specific DNA or RNA marker, which has been obtained from an analysis of: (1) the individual's biological information or specimen; or (2) the biological information or specimen of a person to whom the individual is related. (b) "Genetic information" also means medical or biological information collected from an individual about a particular genetic condition that is or might be used to provide medical care to that individual or the individual's family members. § Subd. 2.Private...
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...THINKING ABOUT DISCRIMINATION IN THE GENETIC AGE Paul Steven Miller27 The information age has taken hold, and the genetic revolution is in full swing. With apologies to Aldous Huxley, we stand at the precipice of a brave new world. ...History has taught us that the wonders of science hold unique power to sway and se- duce, and too often to corrupt, the course of human nature. James Watson [co-discoverer of the double helix] has urged that genetic progress in health can come only with a firm awareness of the potential for abuse. Whether the scientific community is mobilized to deride some- thing as junk science or voodoo genetics may ultimately not matter. Sometimes public opinion and market forces prevail, regardless of whether something is scientifically rational. As humanity charts a new course, it...must insist that genetic profiles—in whatever form they take—remain in the control of the individual, and should never be used to violate fundamental human rights. The challenge for scientists, philosophers, ethicists, jurists, and policymakers is how to best balance the rights of the individual against the needs of society in this rapidly changing world. Eugenics and Genetics The U.S. Supreme Court legitimized state–sponsored sterilization in the name of eugenics in its landmark decision of Buck v. Bell. Carrie Buck was sent to the State Colony of Epileptics and the Feeble–Minded in Virginia to have a child conceived when she was raped by the nephew of her foster parents...
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...Genetic screenings by definition, it’s a systematic search for individual with a specific genotype (Kjono, 1997, p. 1-5). Which intern assist the health care provider and give an opportunity to alter the human genotype ,usual take place in groups those who are under risk .Thus advancement in technology and scientific knowledge assist individuals to learn about their chances to get genetic diseases and to understand the environment interaction how it affects their health. Research indicates that understanding of the diseases susceptibility assist them for risk reduction behaviors as well provide better control over their life. Same like other tests genetic screening and testing has its own pros and cons. Some of the benefits include same like...
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...Santa Fe and Genetic Testing Oren L. Jones Trident University International ETH 501 Introduction The topic of genetic testing is a delicate issue that today’s employers must face. There basically two distinct routes employers can travel in regards to genetically screen their current and prospective employees. Employers can choose to utilize increasingly precise, efficient, and inexpensive genetic testing in order to determine the genetic traits, and identify any deficiencies within their workforce. This particular avenue may potentially expose employers to numerous liability and litigation issues. Specifically, the Fourth Amendment and the Americans with Disabilities Act were created with the purpose of protecting medical and genetic privacy. Additionally, employers may choose to overlook the practice of genetic screening all together. However, this outcome could possibly lead to a number of employer liability concerns such as; increased health insurance costs, violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, etc. With the rapid development of genetic technology on the rise, employers today are faced with an overwhelming dilemma. BNSF Subjects Employees to Genetic Test In April 2002, railroad giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) found itself in a perilous legal confrontation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Burlington officials had admitted to subjecting their employees to genetics tests. BNSF’s...
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...Garrett Explanation of how modern genetic technology may lead to personalized medicine. By using DNA technologies such as stem cell research and cloning manipulate human genes. Patients with common disease genetic abnormalities and even spinal injuries may use genetic technology to create personal medicine that may be able to improve and prolong life. An individual risk for common disease would be determined by a genetic profile created from this technology. To create a medical profile tailored to specific DNA characteristics of each patient doctors may use modern genetic technology. The genetic profile would determine treatment and/or preventative care according the effects of a particular disease or patient’s reaction to a certain medical treatments. Discuss the benefits of personalized medicine. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in some cancers can be provided by personalized medicine. The use of personalized medicine will allow doctors to develop a more precise treatment based on each patients modern genetic technology because cancer is such a complex disease and effects each individual differently. Genetic diseases affect an estimated 12 million Americans, yet according to a survey of 1,000 people conducted by the Genetic Disease Foundation (GDF), while two-thirds of those surveyed were willing to and saw the benefits of undergoing genetic testing, close to 80 percent had never talked to their physician about genetic screening – an inconsistency that can...
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...“Cracking Your Genetic Code”, a NOVA documentary, reveals the idea that the human race stands on the verge of a major revolution. In this, we are given insight into the life of a now fully functional celled cancer survivor and a cystic fibrosis sufferer who now obtains healthy breathing patterns. So, what caused such a drastic turn of events? In these cases, genetic mutation pushed the teens to near death. Their cure, however, involved a different technique: genetic coding. Also known as the scientific ability to be able to pinpoint and neutralize the genetic abnormalities that underlie their conditions. A very controversial topic in the medical science industry. With this, I will be providing both the pros and cons of this profession. There...
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...Sneaking a Peek, Sometime Cost You: Genetic Testing a Price to Pay Sneaking a Peek, Sometime Cost You: Genetic Testing a Price to Pay When signing the dotted line, we give away a lot. The words printed, the ink dries and we have committed to a legal contract that specific roles will be assumed and expectation do follow. The contract starts a line of trust that we often do not acknowledge until this trust is broken or affirmed. In the case study regarding Danville Airlines, Human Resource Director Julie Taylor and Pilot David Reiger a trust test was given, result were discovered, and now decision will have to be made because sneaking a peek into the lives of others sometime will cost you. What the cost? Only with time they will know as we discuss what laws, feelings and interpretation affect the rights and trust between employer and employee. The study title Danville Airlines presented the scenario of a 42 year old pilot, David Reiger, whom father recently passed away from Huntington Diseases (Mead & Wicks, 2004). The disease is heredity and children of parent with the disease have 50% chance of inheriting the gene (Semaka, Balneaves, & Hayden, 2013). Reiger found out he had the gene after undergoing a required screening by Danville Airlines and Danville Airline secretly, without consent, tested for it. Now armed with this new information, Julie Taylor, the Human Resource Director have to make decision on her recommendation to the board of director...
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...E Poole Beecham English 101 10059 19 April 2010 Genetic Testing Imagine choosing your daughter to have high intelligence. No one would fault the parents for giving their daughter this advantage for life. Parents can make the decision to use any safe drug or therapy to enhance their future children to make them smarter, better, stronger, to increase their intelligence, height, or other traits (Zane). Testing for medical tendencies to screen and reduce the possibility of future illness or diseases is now feasible. Genetic testing can enhance and improve lives with immeasurable benefits. The rewards of this testing outweigh any reservations. Genetic testing are examinations of blood and other tissues of the body that doctors in the medical field prepare to test for possible defects of the body. These DNA based tests generally involves direct examination of the DNA molecule itself and are very sophisticated techniques of testing genetic disorders in the bodies of human beings. Prenatal genetic testing with the procedure of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD is a technique whereby testing is performed of an approximate three-day-old embryo to confirm that it does not carry a particular disease or diseases (Naik). The test predicts, with variable confidence, what the possible medical problems will be in the future. Then the doctor implants this embryo, which is free of that syndrome, in the mother's womb. It appears to be relatively easy to check the DNA and eliminate...
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...PERCEPTIONS OF GENETIC TESTING AMONG HISPANIC FAMILY MEMBERS OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS Objective: To provide a preliminary description of the interest, awareness, and perceptions of genetic testing among Hispanics with a family history of breast cancer Design: This cross-sectional pilot study used interpersonal structured interviews for data collection. Participants: We interviewed 48 Hispanics without breast cancer but who had a family member with breast cancer; participants lived in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Main Outcome: The outcomes were interest in breast cancer genetic testing, awareness about genetic testing, perceived risk of carrying a breast cancer susceptibility gene, and the perceived benefits and risks associated with a genetic test. Measures: Items previously used in research regarding interest and perceived genetic risk and a previously validated benefits and riskslimitations scale for genetic testing commonly used by other researchers were used to measure the outcomes. Results: Awareness of genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility was very low, yet most (82%) participants were interested in a genetic test for breast cancer susceptibility. Participants were more likely to identify with the benefits than the potential risks of genetic testing. The most highly endorsed benefits were to know to take better care of one’s self and to undergo more frequent screening. Conclusions: Hispanics seem to have positive perceptions about genetic testing for breast...
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...Genetic Testing and the Human GMO The controversies surrounding genetic testing, patenting and the modification of genes both as used in disease treatment and genetic enhancement are on the verge of becoming larger realities. I Intro The initial draft of the Human Genome project is now completed, giving access to the DNA sequences of a human. But it is not the genetic information that is shared that has come under the greatest degree of interest. Rather, the estimated .001% of variance in the genetic code is the subject of recent and expanding controversy; it is our difference not similarities that are most subject to controversy. One such controversy involves the genetic screening of potential employees, to spot potential problematic areas in their genetic make up. Similarly insurance companies may screen clients before deciding what category of clientele to put them in based on genetic risk factors. But the greatest controversies come with the fact that our genetic make up is alterable. There is substantial research being done on how human diseases can be treated using genetic procedures to replace faulty genes, but who stands to profit from this and what are the potential risks? Furthermore, can a treatment based on human genetic information (which is shared by all) be subject to the same patent laws as are other commonly used medicinal tools and methods? And perhaps the most controversial is the prospect of enhancing humans using genetically fostered techniques...
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...remain very controversial. In this paper we will explore the use of genetic trait testing, access to genetic information as well as the issue of vaccinating or not. With regards to bioethical related data the accessing, storing, gathering, and sharing medical data for the purpose of using the data for the scientific purpose of research is still a controversial issue in the scientific community. There is no basic problem with sharing medical data electronically, with the implementation of EHR, electronic health records. However, there is yet to be formal ethical guidelines established for the use of this data in the biological sciences community. There have been guidelines introduced for developing ethical principles with the ultimate goal of winning over the scientific community to incorporate the use of this data into their existing code of ethics. The scientific community has an obligation to share this data, if permitted by the patient, for research purposes. It also can be a major factor that could increase the trust of the public with regards to scientific research. Society also had concerns about employers having access to genetic information. (Duke & Porter, 2013) With the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) employers are prohibited to use this information for the purpose of employment selection, firing or promotion. GINA also prohibits insurance companies from using genetic information as a means to accept or deny an individual coverage or charge...
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...| | | | | | | Genetic IssueEmploying Genetic Markers to Improve Diagnosis | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Melanie Fortin | Genetic Issue Employing Genetic Markers to Improve Diagnosis I chose a topic related to genetic markers and its use to improve diagnosis of tumors. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC327311/-EmployingGeneticMarkerstoImproveDiagnosisofThyroidTumorFineNeedleBiopsy)Dec2011. This topic is an important topic in the world of public health at the moment. However, it really is a topic that hit close to home recently. I was diagnosed with a right thyroid nodule in February. Since it was large enough, it required a fine needle aspiration. This prompted me to further investigate my options once I got the results that it was highly suspicious for Hurthle cell neoplasm. While reading this article, I wanted to better understand if I had other options than surgical removal of my thyroid to obtain the definite benign/malignant diagnosis. This well written article raises the awareness of how commonly the public has to undergo surgical removal of a nodule in order to get a definite diagnosis. Genetic markers have been identified to aid in the diagnosis of certain of these thyroid carcinomas. The study demonstrated that “71% of unnecessary surgical procedure could be avoided”, but that also “22% of cancers would be missed”. Although I did not know much about genetic markers as it related to thyroid...
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...Ethical Dilemmas of Genetic and Reproductive Sciences One of the biggest ethical debates surrounding genetic and reproductive sciences is abortion. When parents decide to have genetic testing done, the results may require them to make a decision whether continue with the pregnancy or to terminate. Even for a wanted pregnancy, the decision to terminate a baby who has the potential for a disability is devastating and stressful. There are arguments against prenatal testing and abortion regarding the ethicality. Arguments generally revolve around fetal rights and disability rights (Stapleton, 2017). According to Stapleton (2017), the option for abortion may be provided based on the results of genetic testing, therefore, being unethical in...
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...Tay-Sachs Disease Foreword: Before beginning to read this review of the case study, please note that current events of today pertain more to preconception screening for genetic anomalies and genetic studies. Today due to preconception genetic screening many parents opt to terminate a fetus with fatal or painful anomalies; therefore a large portion of the research for parents who are expecting a child with Tay Sachs Disease was noted to be during an approximate 30 year span from the mid-1950’s to the early-mid 1980’s, thus older citings will be noted. “Tay-Sachs parents say that their child dies three times—when the disease is diagnosed, when the child enters the hospital, and the final time.” (Atwater, 1964) “How do you parent without a net, without a future, knowing that you will lose your child, bit by torturous bit?” (Rapp, 2011) Will it be a boy or a girl? What color will the eyes, the hair be? Whose smile will the baby have? These are just a few of the many questions that begin when parents find out they have conceived a child, and most of the time the questions only grow as the pregnancy progresses too; what will they want to be when they grow up? Who will they look like? Will they be strong, graceful, independent, or determined? Should we look at preschools and colleges now? It may not seem to occur very often that parents will say to themselves; we never thought about how we might parent a child without a future. Now instead of questions that may focus on the...
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