Social Implications of Genetic Testing

This paper examines the social implications of predictive genetic testing and its impact on the insurance industry. Although the Human Genome Project has the potential to improve the health of our nation, it also may serve as a means of highlighting genetic differences among individuals and ethnic groups. Thus, if we are to reach the full promise of the Project, society must address the public’s fears of genetic discrimination in insurance and employment contexts. Following an analysis of state and federal legislation on genetic privacy and discrimination, the paper concludes with a challenge to the insurance industry to work with the medical community and health care advocates to formulate a public policy approach that promotes informed consent and the fair use of genetic information.