Topic: Privacy of Personal Genetic Information
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Emily Paull
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United States position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
The world is dependent upon the advances that have been made in science. One discovery has led to the next and the pace of advancement has continuously quickened as the body of scientific knowledge has grown. The 21st century is an age of technology and it has manufactured techniques that have given scientists access to information that once seemed a distant dream. This influx of has resulted in unprecedented situations. For years, diligent work was performed towards mapping the human genome in order to identify disease. The possible abuses of such information had been foreseen and the United Nations passed the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights which emphasized the importance of keeping a person’s genetic information private. However, in 2003 the Human Genome Project was completed, leaving many nations in want of a more specific document.
The United States recognizes its citizens’ right to privacy concerning their genetic information. Affirmative action has been taken by Congress, specifically in regards to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). The release of personal genetic poses possible opportunities for discrimination including but not limited to discrimination and exploitation by insurance companies and employers. The possible danger resulting from insurance companies obtaining such information is complete denial of health care or outrageous premiums. Such information in the hands of employers is also grave. There United States does not tolerate discrimination based on age, color, race, gender or sexual orientation nor shall it tolerate discrimination based upon potential health-related issues suggested by one’s genome. Employers are prohibited from obtaining genetic information through all means including requesting, requiring or purchasing it. This information may not be used in any decision made by an employer. Such decisions would include firing, hiring, job assignments and promotions. The United States urges other countries to take up a similar policy, promoting policy of its citizens and preventing any resultant human rights violations
