Use of genetic information
There have been rapid and stunning advances in the knowledge of how genes affect the specific tasks of different cells in the human body. The study of this interaction is known as human genetics. When human genetics and reproductive technology are combined they allow scientists to tailor make a human through the manipulation of human genes. Advances in human genetics and the application of them through reproductive technology could negatively affect society. The manipulation of human genetics and the personal information gained from reproductive technology will cause genetic discrimination based on economics. Genetic information obtained from reproductive technology might be used by insurance companies in the determining of insurance coverage. Employers could use genetic information to select employees based on genetic traits; to lower costs related to personnel. The cost of reproductive technology and genetics manipulation will perhaps make it a process for the wealthy. The insurance, hiring, and technology cost issues possibly will cause genetic prejudice due to financial matters. One of the most contentious uses of genetic information is its potential use by insurance companies to determine whether to offer insuran
This division in society will escalate with more new complicated and costly genetic and reproductive techniques. In Western society they have already begun to divide because of the cost of reproductive technology. It is feared that those with a positive genetic test (finding a predisposition to a particular health disorder), who are obliged to reveal this information to the insurance company, will be refused insurance cover or will be charged such high premiums that in effect they are refused the opportunity to benefit (from insurance) (Human 155). Refusal of insurance because of genetic testing can lead to even further prejudice. The cost of these procedures could make them for the rich only and could cause genetic discrimination against the poor that cannot afford such technology. In addition, where health insurance or private health care is funded by the employer, those who are not at increased risk are likely to represent a more cost-effective option (Human 172). If an insurance company declares a person a bad risk financially, because of their genetic predisposition, then that person will suffer financially than those people pass the genetic test. We're bringing this down to reproduction and we just keep pushing and pushing and pushing. However, consumers of these reproductive technologies (in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination) are largely white, well educated, and affluent" (Walther & Young 113). However, it is possible that this could restrict a person's employment opportunities. Human Genetics: Choice and Responsibility. This divide is already occurring in western society: "In the United States, infertility is the highest among poor, minority, poorly educated couples who have no biological children. Employers could also use genetic testing in order to predict future health of perspective employees. Genetic testing might also be used by employers in the selection of staff that could avoid them unwanted human resource expenditure.
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