genetics &privacy

Is it necessary to protect an individual 's genetic information

The person 's genes can give a lot of information about a person . The genes can basically trace one 's family tree , give information regarding certain diss that may have been inherited , and may also be used to clone an entire human being . Moreover , the genetic make-up can generally show what a human being would literally look like

However , while knowledge of a human 's genes can prove beneficial in a lot of aspects and therefore should be made public , it is also

important that the details of one 's genetic information be confidential to a certain extent that would not discriminate nor humiliate any person . I believe that a person 's genetic make up should not be a basis for his or her employment or a hindrance to his or her general growth and self-improvement

In this connection , U .S . President Clinton , on February 8 , 2000 , issued an HYPERLINK "http /www .opm .gov /pressrel /2000 /genetic_eo .htm executive which prohibits every federal department and agency from using genetic information as a basis to hire or promote an employee . This was endorsed by the American Medical Association , the American College of Medical Genetics , the National Society of Genetic Counselors , and the Genetic Alliance (Human Genome Project Information 2007

Based on the executive , federal employers cannot require nor request their employees or applicants to undergo genetic tests as a condition for hiring or promotion or to evaluate an employee 's ability to perform his or her job . Moreover , these employers are prohibited from using protected genetic information to classify employees in a way that would deprive them of advancement opportunities . Employers cannot also use any genetic information that they have obtained , such as a genetic make-up that would lead to a certain illness or disease , to deny their employers from working overseas

Furthermore , according to the executive , all genetic information used for medical treatment and research is to be kept strictly confidential and would be disclosed only if it is highly necessary for the medical treatment of an employee or potential employee (Human Genetic Information , 2007

While I fully agree with the executive , I also believe that a person 's genetic information should be used for medical advancements such as treating a disease that has no known cause

I also believe that if there would be a time that the use of a human 's genetic information should be meant to ensure his or her safety

For example , based on the recommendations by the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer (NAPBC ) and the NIH-DOE Working Group on the Ethical Legal , and Social Implications (ELSI ) of human genome research , an employer should be permitted to monitor employees for the effects of a particular substance found in the workplace to which continued exposure could cause genetic damage . This basically ensures maximum efficiency and safety in work . In addition , employers may use the genetic information only to identify and control...