Ethics and genetic testing

The tremendous growth in knowledge about genes and genetic technologies will eventually enable us to know individual genotypes and susceptibilities to disease, perhaps even before birth. Each new genetic test developed raises serious issues for individuals and society on the circumstances under which genetic information should be sought and the uses that should be made of such information. Ethical reflection and analysis will help us to prepare for the responsible use of information about genotypes so that individuals, both now and in the future, are benefited and not harmed, so that justice is served, and so that confidentiality and privacy, and respect for the autonomy, dignity, and differences of each individual, are preserved.