Genetic Privacy and Discrimination

As the ability to store and analyze genetic profiles increases, new ways of applying the information that can be gleaned from one's DNA are developed. In this rapidly-changing field, it is often difficult to even say what kinds of information one's DNA might reveal, making privacy related decisions much more difficult. Considering the possibility of genetic discrimination, these decisions will only get more complex and their implications more serious.

Resources

CRG's Genetics and the Law Resource

CRG's Program Page on Genetic Discrimination and Privacy

The Genetic Bill of Rights

GeneWatch Articles

New Genetic Privacy Concerns by Patricia A. Roche and George J. Annas, GeneWatch 20-1, January-February 2007

The Genetic Bill of Rights: Advancing a Rights Platform in Biotechnology by Sheldon Krimsky and Peter Shorett, GeneWatch 18-1, January-February 2005

The Biobanks Law and Decode Genetics by David Winickoff, GeneWatch 13-5/6, Winter 2000 (.pdf)

Genetic Discrimination Legislation in Massachusetts by Rebecca Haffajee, GeneWatch 13-5/6, Winter 2000 (.pdf)

Genetics and Employment by Adrienne Asch, GeneWatch 11-5/6, January 1999 (.pdf)

CRG Files Amicus Brief in Workplace Privacy and Discrimination Case by S. Rebecca Holmes-Farley, GeneWatch 10-4/5, February 1997(.pdf)

Department of Defense DNA Registry Raises Legal, Ethical Issues by Seth Mnookin, GeneWatch 10-1, August 1996 (.pdf)

Challenging Discriminitory Insurance by Vickie Laden, GeneWatch 8-2, July 1992 (.pdf)

Wisconsin Passes Bill for Genetic Privacy by David Ahrens, GeneWatch 8-2, July 1992 (.pdf)

CRG Raises Concerns About Army Genetic Databank Plans by Nachama L. Wilker and Ruth Hubbard, GeneWatch 8-1, April 1992 (.pdf)

DNA Identification Systems and Civil Liberties, interview with Phil Bereano GeneWatch 5-6, May 1986 (.pdf)

The Case Against Genetic Discrimination by Judith Pittman, GeneWatch 2-1, 1985 (.pdf)

CRG in the Press

DNA Data Banks Would Taint Justice by Paul Billings, Boston Globe, 14 January 1999

Genetic Discrimination: A Primer Diane Horn inerviews Philip Bereano, KCMU 90.3, Seattle, WA, January 19, 1998

Don't Take Liberties with Our Genes by Philip Bereano, Seattle Times, 17 July 1997