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What Is Genetic Discrimination?

By Business Training Media

Genetic discrimination is a form of discrimination that occurs when an individual is treated unfairly or differently due to their genetic information. It can manifest in various ways, such as in employment, insurance, education, and housing. Genetic discrimination occurs when individuals or groups are denied equal opportunities or rights based on their genetic characteristics, such as predisposition to certain diseases or genetic mutations.

Advances in genetic research and technology have led to the identification of genetic markers that are associated with various diseases and conditions. These markers can be used to predict an individual's likelihood of developing a particular disease or condition, even before symptoms appear. While this information can be beneficial for individuals and their families, it can also be used against them in situations where discrimination occurs.

One of the most significant areas where genetic discrimination occurs is in the workplace. Employers may use an individual's genetic information to make decisions about hiring, promotion, or termination. For example, an employer may choose not to hire an individual who is at an increased risk of developing a certain condition because they fear that the individual may need expensive medical treatment in the future. Alternatively, an employer may require an employee to undergo genetic testing or disclose their genetic information as a condition of employment. Such practices violate the employee's privacy and can lead to discrimination.

Another area where genetic discrimination can occur is in insurance. Insurers may use genetic information to deny coverage or charge higher premiums to individuals who are at a higher risk of developing certain conditions. For example, an insurer may deny health or life insurance to an individual who has a family history of a certain condition, such as breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease. This can have devastating consequences for the individual and their family, particularly if they need medical treatment or care for the condition.

Genetic discrimination can also occur in education and housing. Educational institutions may deny admission or scholarships to individuals based on their genetic information, while landlords may refuse to rent or lease a property to someone based on their genetic characteristics.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was enacted in 2008 in the United States to protect individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. GINA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their genetic information and prohibits health insurers from using genetic information to determine coverage or premiums. However, GINA does not provide protection in other areas such as education, housing, or life insurance.

To summarize, genetic discrimination is a serious problem that affects both individuals and families. It infringes on an individual's privacy and can lead to discrimination in a variety of settings. Efforts must be made to protect individuals from genetic discrimination in all aspects of life. This includes strengthening legal safeguards, raising public awareness about genetic discrimination, and encouraging employers, insurers, and other organizations to adopt policies that safeguard individuals' genetic information.

For workplace discrimination prevention training courses, visit Business Training Media’s website, where you’ll find over 4,500 training courses and resources on hundreds of topics.

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Preventing Workplace Discrimination for Managers and Supervisor

Preventing Workplace Discrimination for Managers and Supervisors Video Course

"Preventing Workplace Discrimination... for Managers and Supervisors" training program discuss different types of discriminatory behavior, the laws and policies that have been established to fight it, and what managers and supervisors can do prevent it in their department.
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