Home / Series / The Robert MacNeil Report / Aired Order / Season 1982 / Episode 142

Genetic Screening

The use of genetic screening by companies raises moral, ethical and legal issues. Two types of genetic testing are discussed--screening and monitoring--by Congreeman Al Gore, doctors representing companies and academia and a doctor from a workers organization. Pre-employment screening risks discrimination against people who carry genetic traits that may or may not lead to any medical issues. Monitoring can help uncover risks posed by workplace chemicals. Dow Chemical tested more than 1,700 workers over 10 years to discover whether certain chemicals caused mutations, but cancelled the program after 2 chemicals were found to create mutations. There are privacy concerns and issues of informed consent, as well as some doubt about the accuracy of current testing technology. Representative Gore notes that the adoption of genetic testing is moving ahead much more quickly than anticipated, arguing that Congress should study the technology, then legislate appropriately.

English
  • Originally Aired July 9, 1982
  • Network PBS
  • Created November 13, 2025 by
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  • Modified November 13, 2025 by
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