Not only that, but they might also be thwarting their own financial futures - a phenomenon seen recently with the genetically modified food industry. Experts say the most worrisome ethical issues, as well as the likely first practical uses to come from the human genome map, will stem from diagnostic tests for diseases that have no cure. Not only will patients be faced with the emotional impact of such knowledge, but they may worry that insurance companies or employers will find them less desirable. But he also pointed out that genetic knowledge can be a good thing. If everyone knows what their medical needs are, it could effectively put insurance companies out of business.
Experts say the government has a responsibility to protect genetic privacy.
Although President Clinton issued an executive order stating that no government employees shall be discriminated against according to their genetic make-up, there is no law regarding the privacy of genetic information in general. And there is no law that mandates consent as a condition of genetic testing. Craig Venter, president and chief scientific officer of Celera, recently urged the government to take an active roll in protecting patient privacy at a meeting of the Joint Economic Committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is essential if the biotechnology revolution is to be realized. The first and probably the most contentious issue is the patenting of gene discoveries.