#05 - Decoding the Genome, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, and Health Insurance
Original Webcast Date: June 26, 2003 10:30 a.m.
The decoding of the human genome brought us into a new age of discovery and potential and this milestone achievement has also brought along a new host of questions that will demand answers in the coming years. Genetic medicine holds the promise of tailor-made medications for individuals, genetic therapy cures, and blood tests that can forecast our lifetime risks for diseases. These possible future outcomes hold many ethical questions that should be meted out before they are in our midst. As more is known about genetic predisposition to scientific diseases, how much information should be available to insurance and health organizations, including Medicare? Will insurance companies insist on blood tests to determine genetic health before granting coverage? Observers fear privacy violations or discriminatory employment and insurance practices will befall persons diagnosed with predispositions to disease. Discussion into this is necessary now more than ever, especially in light of current events.
| Moderator Guests Transcript Podcast |
- Half Empty, Sage News & Views.
- Mapping Out Longevity Research, Sage News & Views.
- Magic Markers?, Sage News & Views.
- Trouble With the Translation, Sage News & Views.
- Of Twins and Centenarians, Sage News & Views.
- Keeping Your Genes to Yourself, Sage News & Views.
- Panel Politics, Sage News & Views.
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