US/INTERNATIONAL: Genetic data pose ethical dilemmas

US/INTERNATIONAL: Genetic data pose ethical dilemmas New legislation in the United States and elsewhere has banned the use of genetic testing to deny health insurance or job opportunities. Such laws aim to increase consumer acceptance of genetic screening technology, which has been dampened by privacy concerns, but could also create additional near-term costs. In May, President George Bush signed the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) into law, which seeks to prevent discrimination against people who receive a genetic test, by their insurers and employers. Insurer restrictions. Key provisions are directed specifically at health insurers: · Health plans or insurers may not require customers to undergo a genetic test, although they can ask customers to participate voluntarily in genetic research. · Insurers may... [read full story]