How can genetic test results lead to discrimination in employment or insurance?

Genetic testing can lead to discrimination in the workplace or in access to and the cost of health or life insurance because it provides predictive information about an individual's risk for developing certain disorders, even when that person is currently healthy.1

While early detection can enable life-saving interventions, the privacy of this genetic data is a significant concern. Some employers or insurers may use this information to assess potential future costs or risks associated with an individual, leading to unfair treatment. Ethical principles dictate that individuals should not be penalized or denied opportunities based on their genetic predispositions, as this undermines the fundamental right to fair and equitable treatment.1

While some governments have enacted laws to outlaw the use of such information by employers and insurance companies, other jurisdictions have permitted its use as a mechanism to manage rising health-care costs. This creates a complex landscape where the benefits of medical advancement must be carefully balanced against the necessity of protecting individual privacy and preventing systemic discrimination.1