The Legal Uncertainties of Sociogenomic Polygenic Scores

Genomics may increasingly be used to predict associations with social traits through a new field called sociogenomics. This approach includes developing genetic 'scores' to identify associations with individuals' traits like educational attainment, feelings of loneliness, aggressive behavior, and criminality. Companies are already testing embryos to select for some of these traits, and these scores could be adopted by industries and settings beyond commercialized reproductive genetic testing services. The nature of the scores raises concerns about the potential dangers of a passive regulatory approach. Although supporters argue that sociogenomic polygenic scores could help mediate social inequality, there are worries that their implementation into society could be discriminatory and inequitable. Without adequate safeguards, it could have severe consequences for adults using IVF services, students, health insurance beneficiaries, employees, and others in the future. While existing legal structures are in place to regulate medical genetic information, these protections have their own flaws, and further, do not clearly extend to polygenic scores. Policymakers must therefore consider the potential harms of sociogenomic polygenic scores, and how to maximize any benefits.