CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A Monsanto worker is suing the company, alleging its collection of her family's medical history violates an Illinois law.
In a class action lawsuit filed March 28 in DeKalb County Circuit Court, Kathleen Hadley alleges that Monsanto Company and Bayer CropScience LP have violated the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA).
Hadley, representing herself and other similarly situated individuals, accuses the defendants of misusing genetic information of potential employees in Illinois. The companies allegedly require prospective employees to undergo a physical exam during which their family medical history is requested.
This act, according to Hadley, contravenes GIPA's regulations on employers' use of genetic information.
The plaintiff argues that genetic information is private and sensitive and its misuse could encourage harmful discrimination among employers. The lawsuit seeks redress for persons injured by the defendants' conduct.
The defendants have since removed the case to federal court. Andrew Heldut of McGuire Law in Chicago represents the plaintiff.