Genetic testing in light of HCR

[Duer 157099]

I doubt that we're there yet, but we are hopefully on the road towards that time when people will feel more comfortable about genetic testing to find out which diseases/conditions they may be predisposed to, and which risk factors to avoid.

I have no question that right now, many people avoid it because they don't want to be denied insurance because of what might be discovered.

I would love to have my genome tested and to know what I'm at risk for. Am I alone in this? I know some people won't do it because they like denial, but I like denial as much as anyone and I still am curious as hell.

[Happyhippychick]

1. As soon as they identify a Republican gene I think it should become a mandatory pre-natal test.

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. What would your employment prospects look like if...

You had your genome tested and it showed that you had were epileptic but hadn't had a seizure yet? Or if you were going to develop some terminal disease for which there was no known cure, but not showing symptoms as of the time you were tested?

I could see lots and lots of people discriminated against because of this.

I am "curious as hell", but not about this kind of stuff. I like waking up knowing that each day is new and holds new opportunities. I would hate to wake up every morning knowing that I was going to die of a disease I hadn't even developed yet.

[Duer 157099]

4. I totally agree that these issues are serious

But there should be very strong privacy and anti-discrimination laws in effect.

I'd much rather know which diseases I'm likely to develop than to live in the blissful ignorance of thinking I might develop ALL or any of them. And, especially if there are things that can delay or mitigate the disease, especially if it's treated very early, earlier than current diagnostics (aside from genetic testing) allow.

[tridim]

3. I would love to know my entire family's genetic predisposition.

It's actually pretty shocking to me that this isn't already standard practice.

[kestrel91316]

5. Don't do it until the ban on PEC exclusions takes effect in 2014.