Genetic Information, Genetic Testing, and Employment

Tony McGleenan, Queen's University, Belfast, UK

Published online: July 2006

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0005209

Genetic technology can provide information that is predictive of the future health status of an individual. Employers and insurers usually seek access to any information that indicates an increased risk of ill health. This has given rise to fears that genetic information may be used to discriminate against some people.

Keywords: genetic screening; health insurance; discrimination; jurisprudence; employment

 References
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 Further Reading
    Brockett PL, MacMinn R and Carter M (2000) Genetic testing, insurance economics and societal responsibility. North American Actuarial Journal 3: 1–19.
    book Draper E (1991) Risky Business: Genetic Testing and Exclusionary Practices in the Hazardous Workplace. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
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    Oakley EF (2000) Federal regulation of use of genetic information by insurers: what constitutes unfair discrimination? North American Actuarial Journal 3: 116–136.
    Rothstein MA and Knoppers BM (1996) Legal aspects of genetics, work and insurance in North America and Europe. European Journal of Health Law 3: 143.

Related Sub-Topics:

Techniques and Tools in Clinical Genetics | Science and Society - General | Bioethics
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Article Title: Genetic Information, Genetic Testing, and Employment
 
How to Cite close
McGleenan, Tony(Jul 2006) Genetic Information, Genetic Testing, and Employment. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1038/npg.els.0005209]