As DNA technology increases, will health insurance companies be able to use genetic screening to deny coverage to anyone whose genes aren’t in perfect working order?
2007-01-08 04:18:26 · 2 answers · asked by Taylor l 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Yes, in fact there are already several genetic disorders that can be identified quite quickly and cheaply. At the moment many do not even need DNA testing, i.e. Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis. It is now possible to test for some inherited disorders that will not show up for a long time, such as Huntingdon's and some types of breast cancer.Tests are being developed for Alzheimer's and several psychiatric disorders.
It is only a matter of time before a newborn could be tested for dozens or even hundreds of inherited disorders. The big question is whether society will allow the results of this testing to be used to determine insurance coverage, hiring practices etc.
2007-01-08 04:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That *is* a legitimate fear, at least for certain genetically determined illnesses.
2007-01-08 04:36:55 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋