From the IHT/NYT
"I.B.M. to Put Genetic Data of Workers Off Limits
By STEVE LOHR
Published: October 10, 2005
As concerns grow that genetic information could become a modern tool of discrimination, I.B.M. plans to announce a new work force privacy policy today.
I.B.M., the world's largest technology company by revenue, is promising not to use genetic information in hiring or in determining eligibility for its health care or benefits plans. Genetics policy specialists and privacy rights groups say that the I.B.M. pledge to its more than 300,000 employees worldwide appears to be the first such move by a major corporation...
I.B.M. has become a big player in what is called information-based medicine, which relies on genetic information. The company's involvement goes beyond the hardware and software often employed in such work. I.B.M. scientists and technology consultants are engaged in projects including research at the Mayo Clinic and a venture with the National Geographic Society to trace the genealogy of the world's population.
The trends in scientific research and medicine, along with the questions I.B.M. has heard from outsiders and some of its employees about its handling of genetic information, all contributed to the decision to adopt a formal genetic privacy policy."
Are you at risk? What about your family? What if there is a genetic link to being 'gay'? What about all the people you know who have adopted?
If your genetic code, or your kids, is 'safe' from certain deseases - what is that worth?
The Chaoyang Institute now has a program for 'selective gene writing' and fertility alternative programs; they can apparently screen for a few dozen inheritable genetic problems, take out that 'bad section' of your DNA and replace it with a 'safe' section. Their choices include guaranteeing your baby's hair and eye color - and even the baby's sex! 99.99% of the baby's genetics will be the parents, but rewritten to be 'safer'...
So is it worth it (approx $350,000) to you to have a 'perfect' child? Will his/her genetics then be better qualified for a health insurance discount? Will his hair and eye color make him/her more popular? Enable him/her to get better economic choices - education - job - health care?
Ahhhh, Brave New World!
R