[Genes and discrimination]

The Human Genome Project (HGP) is the greatest scientific adventure in modern human biology, and the genetic map that is going to be revealed through this Project is going to be an important basis of the medicine of the future. Human beings do not however depend solely on their genes. In order to comprehend human pathology, it is essential to focus on the genetic factors and on the environmental factors. Genetic diagnoses, being fostered by the HGP, make it possible to know genetic predisposition and the risks of the onset of a given disorder. Predictive medicine offers great hopes, but is giving rise to major concerns and is causing ethics-related dilemmas. Confidentiality, the moral imperative of medicine, is necessary to prevent discriminatory deviations. As is stated in the UNESCO's Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, no one shall be subjected to discrimination based on genetic characteristics.