Getting a job or applying for benefits with IBM will not be hindered by genetic testing, as IBM makes a policy statement that will keep DNA from factoring into those areas.
While Congress considers a bill on protecting people from genetic discrimination by employers and insurance companies, IBM has stepped up and banned the practice in its business, Reuters has reported. IBM will not make hiring decisions or determine eligibility for benefits based on DNA testing.
“Genetic information comes pretty close to the essence of who you are, it’s something you can’t change,” IBM’s chief privacy officer, Harriet Pearson, said to Reuters. “It has nothing to do with your employment, how good your contributions are, how good of a team member you are, so making a policy statement in this case is the right thing to do.”
Genetic testing made the news in the world of sports. NBA center Eddy Curry was a member of the Chicago Bulls when that team requested him to be DNA tested for a specific heart condition. Mr. Curry had experienced problems with an irregular heartbeat and missed 13 games along with the Bulls post-season appearance.
The Bulls offered to pay him $400,000 for 50 years if the test discovered a problem. He was eligible to sign a $60 million contract, triple that of the Bulls’ guarantee, and refused to be tested. Chicago subsequently traded him to New York where he signed for the $60 million after being cleared by doctors there to play.
David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
