ABSTRACT
The diffusion of genetic testing can lead to the misuse of findings, placing those being tested at risk for possible psychological trauma, stigmatization, and discrimination. Investigations into genetic components for mental illness, aggression, alcoholism, intelligence, and homosexuality— the findings of which are portrayed in the media as a "crime gene" or an "alcoholic gene" or a "gay gene"—further stigmatize minority groups. The Equal Opportunity Commission has interpreted the Americans with Disabilities Act to include discrimination against genetic carriers. Concern for the right of genetic privacy has been expressed in many countries, and they have handled the issue in slightly different ways. Developments in genetic technology and the ability to identify carriers of a large number of genetic diseases change definitions of health and ability and put an increasing number of people at risk for erroneous interpretations by others, stigmatization, and discrimination regarding employment, insurance, and health care.
