DNA and Genetic Privacy Essay Example

DNA and Genetic Privacy Essay The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary emphasizes that privacy is â€Å"freedom from unauthorized intrusion† (Dictionary). Genetic privacy is just that, something to be kept a personal affair and kept from illicit incursion.One’s genetic information should be kept out of the hands of the insurance agencies and, in special cases, law enforcement. A gene is hereditary material located in the DNA of a cell. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the part of the cell that carries chemical information that determines an organism’s characteristics stand for adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, respectively.When put together they form a gene sequence, which is part of a DNA strand. To find these base pairs, experts use a technique known as DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing is indirectly reading the base pairs in a gene sequence through chemical reactions.Once a gene sequence has been found, DNA sequencing can be used to find out what it does and why it performs in that manner. Once DNA sequencing is used on an individual, they see a specialist to deal with the possible emotion problems caused by discovery of potential health risks. Genetic counseling as defined by the American Society of Human Genetics â€Å"a communication process which deals with the human problems, such as depression associated with the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder in a family.† Genes predispose but do not dictate our future.We are a U made up of genes, but genes are not all that we are. Environmental factors may determine our future as much as our genes, and our interaction with our environment is volatile (Annas 20). We will write a custom essay sample on DNA and Genetic Privacy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on DNA and Genetic Privacy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on DNA and Genetic Privacy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Genetic information is uniquely private information, more so than other medical information like HIV status or mental health, for three reasons:It can predict an individual’s likely medical future; it divulges personal information about one’s parents, siblings, and children; and it has a history of being used to