The use of genetic testing in medicine has been the subject of much debate. As the day of whole genome sequencing for every individual draws near, legislation is required to protect individuals from potential misuse of the information. Recently, the United States Senate unanimously passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act which prohibits employers from inquiring about genetic testing or using one’s genetics as the basis for hiring, firing or promoting (56). The act also applies to health insurance plans, and prohibits the setting of eligibility, premium or contribution amount based on genetics, or requiring an individual to take a genetic test (56), and a similar voluntary moratorium also exists in the United Kingdom. Other considerations include the disclosure of genetic information when it can benefit third parties, such as sharing an individual’s genetic test result with their children, and as discussed above, the security of stored genetic data needs to be assured.
