Page 148 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

1 Genetic data: There is a possibility of discriminatory practices in genetics, which should be

avoided. For example, the emergence of genetic technology has the potential to subtly stigmatize

a particular class of people.

Through stigmatization, if the aim is to mark, label, or discredit someone or a community because
of a special characteristic, the generalization of genetic testing may then reflect and even reinforce

society’s negative attitudes toward individuals with a disability or a simple genetic change (Melo

and Nunes 2000).

Moreover, genetic technology allows some deficiencies to be socially considered as a matter of
choice rather than destiny.

This tendency should be avoided by reinforcing the notion that quality of life is independent of

any genetic determinism and that the life of a person with a disability is worthwhile.

Society should allocate the resources necessary for effective equal opportunity for people with

disabilities (health, education, and employment).

Citizens’ rights, namely the rights of handicapped people, are the true spirit of a liberal

democracy, that is, the primacy of the person.

This perspective is in accordance with the principle of reproductive autonomy and the legal rights
of couples to make procreative choices.

This means that in a fair society, a balance should be reached between rights and duties and that

the rights to life and self-determination of handicapped people should also be considered.

2 Gender discrimination:

Gender equality can be understood as the creation of conditions for men and women to have the

same situations to enjoy their rights and to contribute to and benefit from social, economic,

cultural, and political developments.

137 Academic Year 2025/2026