In the article, New Law to Bar Misuse of Genetic Testing By Employers by Steven Greenhouse of the NY Times, a law passed last year is going into effect this year. The law mandates that no employer or insurer is allowed to request a Genetic History report from its employees for risk of discrimination against that employee. Similar to the way you can't discriminate against a race or gender, this new law seeks to prevent employers and insurers from denying employment and/or coverage. There are of course exceptions to the law; for instance, if an employer accidentally finds out or if the employee has been missing work to tend to an ailing relative.
While reading this article, it got me thinking about the importance of journalism. How would I have otherwise found out about this new law if I hadn't read the article? I most likely would not have known if an employer or insurer discriminated against my genetic background. Journalism is an advocate for the people. It educates people about the world around them so they are better able to see the injustices around them. The overall structure of the article was well put together and coming from someone who isn't particularly well versed in all things political, I actually understood the law and the reasons behind its implementation. It was an informative read and I am interested in knowing how employers/insurers will try to get around it and how employees will try to abuse it.
No comments:
Post a Comment