Genetic testing uses a variety of techniques to determine if a person has a genetic disease or condition or is likely to get the disease. Individuals may wish to be tested based on their family history, symptoms of a genetic disorder emerging, or a concern of passing on a genetic problem to their children. These tests were created to improve the quality of life; however, I strongly believe genetic testing will not improve the quality of life because it will result in discrimination, invasion of privacy, and eugenics.
First, discrimination at work and the denial of insurance will result from genetic testing. People with genetic flaws, not all of which show up at dysfunctions, may be denied insurance or jobs. Employers could hire only those people whose genes indicate they are resistant to health hazards. (Genetic Screening and Ethics) In the US, where company-funded health insurance means employers have a vested interest in their employees' demands for healthcare, some companies are already using genetic testing in pre-employment assessment. The use of this testing brings about widespread concerns of discrimination against individuals with genetic predisposition to disease, and the fear of an underclass of unemployable people could emerge. (Rueterlink) Also, test results may have an impact on whether patients qualify for health insurance. If a woman carries a gene for breast cancer, for example, can she be denied health insurance on the basis of having a pre-existing condition? Fear of this discrimination makes people afraid of letting insurers know they were tested- let alone asking to be reimbursed of the tests' cost. (Genetic Testing Raises Questions) Clearly, the use of genetic testing will result in discrimination.
Another result of genetic testing is the invasion of privacy. Privacy has several definitions. Privacy, to some, is the right to be left alone. To others, privacy is the right to decide what information others can know about you.
