Genetic Privacy
Genetic information is unique. It tells not only about an individual, but also about an individual's family. Unlike medical information, genetic information does not change over time. Genetic information is more than health information; it also reveals our heritage and connections to relatives and communities. Where does genetic information belong in our scale of respect for and protection of personal privacy? What level of privacy restrictions, if any, should be put on genetic information? Some genetic information, such as the color of our hair and skin, is obvious and cannot be kept secret. But what about that genetic information which is less apparent to others, such as our risk for developing a health disorder late in life? Who should be able to have access to this information? Privacy rules set limits on who can access genetic information, and how they may do so. The concept of genetic privacy is split into three primary elements: genetic information as private, confidentiality of genetic information, and the possible use of genetic information to discriminate against individuals or groups. The reason why I am dividing genetic privacy into these three elements is because they are the key essent
ials that can be debated for or against privacy. In this paper, I will discuss the debates for and against genetic privacy. I will present my position on these debates providing my argument against genetic privacy, respond with how someone may reply to the position advocated, and finally conclude with my belief that setting restrictions on genetic privacy is very difficult and impossible with the issue of discrimination while still taking into consideration of the other side of the argument. Not all information can be kept private because science will not be able to advance. If scientists and doctors do not share their information, science will not progress. Every new discovery is shared with others and that is how it becomes known and critiqued. Without the advancement of science, we would not be where we are today with genetics. If a person has Huntington's disease in their genetic background, scientists will research and use that to help them move forward to find a way to help that person and the people of further generations. If there are laws designed to protect genetic test results in an effort to prevent genetic discrimination, it may make it more difficult to gather the sort of data that will help researchers solve genetic problems. Privacy may possibly postpone or stop the advancement of genetics.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Privacy Genetic, genetic information, genetic privacy, medical records, privacy genetic, privacy genetic information, human rights, information kept, health insurance, information genetic information, genetic information private, insurance companies, information privacy, access information, genetic privacy difficult, access medical records,
Approximate Word count = 1577
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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