Catherwood LibraryILR School

At the release of its latest report in London yesterday, the Human Genetics Commission---a government advisory body---called for legislation prohibiting employers from using genetic testing and genetic information in making employment decisions. The Commission?s president, Helena Kennedy, pointed to a recent U.S. scandal in which the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway conducted DNA tests for predisposition to repetitive stress injuries on thirty-six workers without their permission. One of the primary motivations behind the Commission?s stance is the fact that such testing is still in its infancy and its predictive value and accuracy questionable.