IS there danger of discrimination based on testing for "harmful" genes? What policies can you suggest that

Question

would prevent such abuses?

Answer 1

The whole idea is not flawed, there is much to be gained by identifying "harmful' genes. But there is plenty to worry about too.

1. If you identify "harmful" genes before you have a way to fix them you have a whole lot of information that could affect someone's ability to get health insurance. We could create entire classes of individuals that are uninsurable.

The ways to prevent this are by limiting who has access to genetic testing information or by passing laws that prevent discrimination against those that carry "harmful genes", much like we have laws against discrimination based on race (just a differenet set of genes).

2. What if the "harmful" genes aren't always harmful? Who's to say that under different circumstances we can't imagine right now some of these "harmful" genes might be advantageous.

The only way to be able to prevent this being a problem is by not changing anything unless you have the ability to change it back.

Answer 2

This whole idea is flawed. Genetic diversity is so very important, even 'harmful' genes can be good. The president is a moron.