Addressing genetic discrimination and its stigmatizing effects through human rights

Genetic stigma and resulting discrimination are multifaceted concerns that impact people's willingness to undergo genetic testing, contributing to disproportionately adverse health outcomes for marginalized communities. While concerns of genetic discrimination (GD) manifest across multiple demographics, they are particularly prevalent amongst certain groups where previous experiences of discrimination can propagate complex stigmas. To address these concerns, countries worldwide have enacted genetic non-discrimination laws. However, while laws like Canada's Genetic Non-Discrimination Act have highlighted the need to prevent GD, they often treat instances of GD as isolated events, failing to account for the systemic inequities that lead to disparate rates of GD across particular communities. This paper argues that a human rights approach can better address how GD intersects with other forms of marginalization, providing a more holistic approach to combat the stigmatic effects of GD.