ABSTRACT

This Article considers the influence and implications of the application of genetic technologies to definitions of disease and to the treatment of ill­ ness. The concept of “geneticization” is introduced to emphasize the domi­ nant discourse in today’s stories of health and disease and the social construction of biological phenomenon is described. The reassurance, choice and control supposedly provided by prenatal genetic testing and screening are critically examined, and their role in constructing the need for such technology is addressed. Using the stories told about prenatal diagno­ sis as a focus, the consequences of a genetic perspective for and on women and their health care needs are explored.