Genetic Discrimination Jonathon Jackson is 30 years old when his father dies of

Question

Genetic Discrimination
Jonathon Jackson is 30 years old when his father dies of complications of Huntington's disease, a genetic condition that usually does not show up until a person is 35-40 years of age. Huntington's is characterized by a slow progression of physical and mental deterioration leading to death.

There is now a test available for the status of the Huntington's gene and Jonathon opts to be tested. Jonathon discovers he has the Huntington's mutation and faces a situation similar to his father's. This is called presymptomatic testing -- checking for the presence of a harmful gene before any symptoms appear.

Somehow, Jonathon's health and life insurance companies learn about the results of his test and both cancel his protection. Then he is released from his job where he had worked faithfully for more than eight years. Company officials are afraid the medical costs of caring for his future medical complications will increase the group insurance rate.

Questions

1.What would you do if you were Jonathon?

2.Should the company be allowed to make decisions based on the information from Jonathon's DNA test? Why or why not?

3.Should the company be able to make Jonathon's information available to other companies Jonathon is interviewing with? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain.

1. If Im Jonathon, as huntington disaese is a genetic disorder and has a risk of transmission from father, will try to recognize the disease earlier by screening tests available. And as well try to start treatment as soon as diagnosed. As there is no complete deterioration in symptoms, will take care of future plans to complete earlier and take rest along with treatment.

2. Definitely the company once known about the positive DNA test of Jonathan to huntingtons disease, will take decision on him as he is not fit for job due to the physical and mental deterioration of health. If there is no risk for the disease means, the company may allow him to continue the job. And another thing in this is the company should morally support him as he worked there for long time and also help him in completing his work there until he is fit for job.

3. I think there is no need to make the information available for other companies because its not related to the fraud or abuse done to the company by Jonathan but its his personal health problem.This need to be understand by Jonathon and also by the companies. But Jonathon has the responsibility to give information related to his health to the new company.

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