What are the legal implications of genetic testing?

In Washington, genetic testing can be a helpful tool for doctors and healthcare providers who are studying and diagnosing a patient’s medical condition. Genetic tests are also used to determine a person’s risk of developing a certain medical condition in the future. However, genetic tests, when used to make decisions about reproduction and parenting, can also have legal implications. Washington laws state that a doctor or healthcare provider should not use the results of a genetic test to influence decisions about reproduction and parenting, unless there is a clinical reason to do so. This means that a doctor or healthcare provider should not use the results of a genetic test to make decisions about whether to use a certain fertility treatment, choosing an egg donor, or prenatal testing. Washington also has regulations that protect individuals from discrimination based on genetic information. Employers, insurance companies, and other organizations are prohibited from using genetic information in making decisions about employment, coverage and benefits, and other areas. Overall, genetic testing can be a helpful tool for medical providers and individuals, but it is important to understand the legal implications of using genetic testing for decisions about reproduction and parenting. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding the results of a genetic test before taking any action.

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What are the legal implications of genetic testing?

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