Developments in Genetics Bring Questions
Despite New Law, Concerns on Testing Remain
A social worker is often the first to provide psychosocial services to
individuals with genetic disorders.
By Paul R. Pace, News Staff
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| Illustration: John Michael Yanson |
A
milestone in civil rights was achieved last May when President Bush signed into
law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
NASW and
dozens of other health, mental health and civil rights organizations cheered
the news that individuals would soon be given federal protections against
genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment.
While the
new law is groundbreaking, social workers and other health professionals are
being encouraged to maintain vigilance in protecting their clients' rights in
the complex world of genetic science.
"Genetic
testing is ever-evolving," said Sharon Terry, president and CEO of Genetic
Alliance, which, among its goals, convenes diverse stakeholders in advocacy for
genetics. "As we learn more about familiar risks, predispositions and
other family-related health issues, there will be important reasons to help
families cope with all of the issues surrounding this new awareness," she
said.
The new
law means people can get tested without the fear of being dropped from their
insurance company or having their premiums raised. It also means a family no
longer has to worry about being unfairly treated because of the discovery of a
rare disorder.
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From October 2008 NASW News. © 2008 National
Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News
articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of
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