Scientists & Engineers for America

Genetic Discrimination

Excerpted from the Congressional Research Service Report RL33903
Updated March 14, 2007
Erin D. Williams
Specialist in Bioethical Policy
Amanda K. Sarata
Analyst in Genetics
C. Stephen Redhead
Specialist in Life Sciences
Domestic Social Policy Division
Read the full report.

Collectively, genetic diseases and common diseases with a genetic component pose a significant public health burden. With completion of the human genome sequence, scientists are now focusing on the development of clinical applications based on the sequence information. One such application, clinical genetic testing, is becoming available at a rapid rate, and some tests are beginning to be included in health insurance benefits packages. Genetic testing may both facilitate and be inhibited by the potential for genetic discrimination. Issues surrounding nondiscrimination addressed in this report include:

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