[charia]

It's very naive to assume it'll only ever be used for benevolent purposes.

The situation the above commenter was bringing up was that in the near future your genetic information has a good chance of being used by insurance companies pre-judge you, your offspring and your relatives to raise or lower healthcare rates based on information found in that data.

[DangitBobby]

I see this as an extension of the idea that we should not be the sole bearer of the consequences of burdens that are not our fault. Where is the fairness in my having both a shortened lifespan and the financial devastation of a chronic, terminal illness? There is none.

(This was meant as a reply to a sibling comment but the "reply" button is absent).

[BurningFrog]

If your genetics predispose you for a shorter life, you can benefit financially by not having to save for retirement.

[DangitBobby]

Genetic predisposition is not a sure thing, so I think most people would still save for retirement, genetics aside. I'm somewhat convinced that I will die young of health complications or social strife in the wake of global warming, but I am still saving for retirement. In any case, I think it is unreasonable to claim that it evens out somehow. It's unfortunate that most people don't learn how strong an advantage it is to be in good health until they aren't anymore.

[BurningFrog]

I was more thinking that you could buy a cheaper pension plan if you're expected to die at 70 rather than 85, on average.

The pension company can handle the uncertainty, since it averages out.

[BurningFrog]

We know my genetic info is being used today in research that cures disease and saves lives.

I sleep well knowing that.

You're saying that there is a "good chance" that some time in the future US insurance companies will illegally use this info to deny people insurance.

I disagree with that probability analysis. Time will tell.

[frutiger]

> pre-judge you

If it’s based off accurate genetic data, is it still prejudgment? We already accept that car insurance is higher for young males without getting mad about it.

Using all available data to make a proper risk assessment seems like a reasonable thing to do.