Genetic Discrimination
As scientists celebrate the completion of a draft of the human genome, the issue of privacy in genetic testing will pit biotechnology firms against [the] medical insurance industry, says UAB medical ethicist Gregory Pence, Ph.D., author of the new book "Recreating Medicine: Ethical Issues at the Frontiers of Medicine."
"Biotech companies holding patents on the human genome will push for privacy laws because if the public fears taking genetic tests, the companies won't make money. But covering people with genetic diseases is costly for insurance companies."
Pence says that carefully crafted laws could protect those who are already covered by medical insurance, but a Canadian-style health system may be the only hope for uninsured people who are genetically at risk.
Call Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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