The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) has launched a new project to identify genetic factors that influence the risk of prostate and breast cancer. The $14 million 'Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility' (CGEMS) initiative aims to identify common genetic variations associated with the diseases. The scientists will first look at...
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology and Authority (HFEA), which regulates fertility treatment and embryo research in the UK, is considering allowing altruistic egg donation for therapeutic cloning research. According to a report in the Times newspaper, the authority may soon approve new rules that will allow women to donate eggs...
A new study carried out at the University of Illinois in Chicago shows that most people would not choose the sex of their baby, if given the option. The findings, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, are based on an online survey of 1,197 men and women aged between...
A new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals that the number of babies born after fertility treatments such as IVF has almost tripled in the last ten years. An accompanying drop in the numbers of twins and triplets born after assisted conception has lead to...
Nobel prize winner Sir John Sulston has repeated his call for new UK laws to prevent genetic discrimination. He says that when the current moratorium on the use of genetic tests results by insurers runs out, in November 2011, it should be replaced by legislation. Professor Sulston, who is vice-chair...
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Comment
Genetic testing, insurance and employment
by Dr Helen Wallace
Last week, in a Joint Statement of Concern, forty-five organisations and individuals expressed their fears about the lack of safeguards to prevent genetic discrimination. The Statement calls on the Government to legislate against the use of genetic test results in employment and insurance. Many European countries have such laws, however...