An Analysis of Genetic Discrimination Legislation Proposed by the 105th Congress

Abstract

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness … it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair … we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.—Charles DickensThe Human Genome Project (HGP) provides information about the human genome that will forever alter society and the way we view ourselves. The genetic age offers great potential, including a future where gene and germ-cell therapy may virtually eliminate genetic disease. However, genetic information may also result in a world characterized by genetic discrimination and genetic determinism. Although genetic information will be used to develop revolutionary treatments, such as gene therapy and other molecular medicine, it will also bring genetic discrimination and heretofore unrealized invasions into the privacy of our genetic codes.