GENETIC DISCRIMINATION and GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

Abstract

Prediction of disease, susceptibility to chemicals, durgs or illness, morbidity and mortality, physiological and psychological condition of individuals are specified according to genetic tests. The expansion of usage area of genetic tests is brought issues beside benefits. Individuals are exposed to genetic discrimination by insurance companies or employer due to they have a genetic alteration. These alterations could be responsible for pathogenic disease, increasing the risk of inherited disorder or disease. Genetic information of individuals can be used against to them during, employment, adoption, health or life insurance. There are many case reports about genetic discrimination in the past. Besides, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) assists to people for prohibit the genetic discrimination by the help of laws since 2008 in United States. The genetic discrimination does not become widespread in Turkey in comparison with developed countries, yet.  Research conducted with two different socioeconomic classes in Turkey showed that individuals’ knowledge level about genetic tests and positive/ negative attitudes or concern about genetic tests is different according to their socioeconmic conditions.

For prevent the genetic discrimination; first of all, the community should be informed and educated about genetic tests and how genetic tests could be use to their advantageous or disatvantageous. Also, the insurance companies' medical directors and insurers or employers should be educate to perform consciously a risk assessment rather than to make a prediction according to genetic tests of individuals. Consequently, the misuse of genetic information must prevent and it must only reveal for legal, forensic sciences or health reasons.

Keywords

• GENETIC DISCRIMINATION and GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

Kaynakça

1. Fezile ÖZDEMIR, Zeliha KAYAALTI, Dilek KAYA- AKYÜZLÜ
2. Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey