One ethical issue on the genetic horizon has already begun to take focus, namely, genetic discrimination. A possible scenario runs like this. In the next few years researchers will identify and locate most, if not all, genes in the human genome that either condition or in some cases cause disease. Already we know that the gene for Cystic Fibrosis is found on chromosome 7 and the gene for Huntington's disease on chromosome 4. Alzheimer's disease is probably due to a defective gene on chromosome 21, and certain incidences of colon cancer to one on chromosome 2.
More knowledge is yet to come.
When it comes, it may be accompanied by an inexpensive method for testing the genome of each individual to see if he or she has any genes for any diseases. A person's individual genome would become part of a data bank to which each of us, as well as our health care providers, would have future access. This is an unlikely scenario, however. As good as it may sound, the specter of genetic discrimination may slow it down, if not retard it completely. Any grand plan to employ new genetic knowledge for preventive health care for Americans is likely to be impeded, if not blocked entirely, by the U.S. system of financing medical care through commercial insurance.