Genetics research is a field in science and medicine that has not been fully demystified. People lack knowledge of the implications of information received from genetic research. Various ethical concerns characterize ethical research, which vary from social to financial issues. Researchers engaged in studies that involve persons should be cautious of their actions since engaging in unethical procedure may result to detrimental consequences to both the researcher and participant (Sensen, 2005). In the social aspect, a person may be stigmatized due to results obtained from genetics research. These are the challenges that hinder people from having genetics tests performed as they fear that the information regarding their health status may leak. This presents the case Priya’s situation.
When encountered by the incident similar to that of Priya, I would have the test performed on me because having information regarding my health would be essential in planning my future. I would let my boyfriend know so that we can plan together for the future. Essentially, we would be able to plan when best to have children where the results show that we have risk predisposing genes. This will also offer me a chance of planning for my children. To protect her job interests, Priya should not let the manager know immediately. She should wait until she falls ill or until she approaches the middle age to disclose condition to her employer. Priya should notify her insurance company regarding the matter. This will enable her pay higher premiums during this period so that she can use her insurance cover during her ailing period. Her beneficiaries will also receive some money once her policy has matured. In essence, this is both an investment and health insurance policy (McLean & Mason, 2003).
Legal Issues in Genetics Research
I did not know that patients have the right to full information regarding their medical condition. This prompts the concern of informed consent. It appeared to me during the research that individuals should have access and control of information regarding their medical condition and how it can be handled. The health practitioner attending to the patient should provide all information that is necessary for decision-making. This will ensure that the patient is empowered to make informed consent.
I did not know that a law exists to regulate the termination from work of employees who disclose their genetics research information to their employers. Researchers in the field of health issues and ethics found out that many employees who disclosed their health information to their employers are discriminated in the workplaces (McLean & Mason, 2003). Managers and employers should be in consultations with medical and health practitioners. This would ensure that employees are protected, despite suffering from challenging medical conditions. Employers should also look keenly into genetic conditions and work hard to understand their employees. This will ensure that employees remain productive.
Prenatal Genetic Testing
I did not know that performing genetics research on a fetus is acceptable, provided one observes ethical procedures. This shows a high level of technological advancement in the fields of medicine and health. New parents are able to perform genetics test on the fetus before birth, which can help them in planning for the child (Sensen, 2005). In conclusion, the field of genetic research will be fully understood once patients and the public get access to information and know their rights. This is essential in addressing both social and ethical issues that characterize genetics research.
References
McLean, S., & Mason, J. K. (2003). Legal and ethical aspects of healthcare. London: Greenwich Medical Media.
Sensen, C. W. (2005). Handbook of genome research: genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, ethical, and legal issues. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.
