Arguments Against Eugenics
The concept of eugenics has existed for centuries, and modern genetic screening could make this notion a reality. However, concerns over the misuse of genetic testing to discriminate against vulnerable people have been raised.
Eugenics is the idea of ‘improving humanity by reducing the “undesirables” and multiplying the “desirables.” Associated with Nazi Germany where the sterilisation of several hundred thousand people occurred and eventually led to death camps, it was in fact practiced around the world. Moral objection to eugenics strengthened after the holocaust and led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Kevles, 1999).
Several scholars and civil rights organisations are concerned we are in the second wave of eugenics, with …show more content…
The act protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes an equal society. Nine characteristics are currently protected by the act (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2017).
The proposal was rejected as the commission concluded there was insufficient evidence of genetic discrimination either in the workplace or generally to warrant legislation (Science and Technology Committee, 2009). It is argued that, legislating based on theoretical discrimination and possible future behaviours can lead to unwarranted litigation and have unintended consequences such as, giving greater protection to a person who can attribute an illness to genetic factors than one whose health is affected by environmental factors (Procon.org, 2007, Priaulx, 2017, Wagner, 2009, Rothstein and Anderlik, 2001).
It is also argued that, Current legislation (Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, the Abortion Act 1967, Equality Act 2010, Human Tissue Act 2004) can resolve genetic issues, and the UK Government and Association of British Insurers (ABI) agreement to a moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results is sufficient protection (Priaulx,
Eugenics is the idea of ‘improving humanity by reducing the “undesirables” and multiplying the “desirables.” Associated with Nazi Germany where the sterilisation of several hundred thousand people occurred and eventually led to death camps, it was in fact practiced around the world. Moral objection to eugenics strengthened after the holocaust and led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Kevles, 1999).
Several scholars and civil rights organisations are concerned we are in the second wave of eugenics, with …show more content…
The act protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes an equal society. Nine characteristics are currently protected by the act (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2017).
The proposal was rejected as the commission concluded there was insufficient evidence of genetic discrimination either in the workplace or generally to warrant legislation (Science and Technology Committee, 2009). It is argued that, legislating based on theoretical discrimination and possible future behaviours can lead to unwarranted litigation and have unintended consequences such as, giving greater protection to a person who can attribute an illness to genetic factors than one whose health is affected by environmental factors (Procon.org, 2007, Priaulx, 2017, Wagner, 2009, Rothstein and Anderlik, 2001).
It is also argued that, Current legislation (Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, the Abortion Act 1967, Equality Act 2010, Human Tissue Act 2004) can resolve genetic issues, and the UK Government and Association of British Insurers (ABI) agreement to a moratorium on the use of predictive genetic test results is sufficient protection (Priaulx,