Privacy is related to genetic discrimination in some aspects such as insurance and employment. Unproven theories of genetic predisposition to violent behavior are currently being attempted in criminal cases. Accident victims may be required to undergo genetic testing to determine their life expectancy. This information would place a monetary value of their life expectancy before the accident. Genetic information may be abused by non-medical institutions that gain access through medical records and use it to define a person based on their genetics and any genetic disorders the person may have.
Genetic information is different from other medical records for many reasons.
Privacy will become very important when genetic testing is done on an individual when others want access to that information. Genetic testing, screening, and counseling are other areas that require discussion. As new genes are identified by the HGP, new tests will be developed to determine whether an individual will be at a higher risk for a certain genetic condition. These tests will be able to inform people of possible genetic disorders that may develop into a disease or the potential of passing the disease gene onto their offspring. Genetic testing is valuable and allows people to know if they are carriers of certain genes.