ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part zooms into the ways in which the emergence of big data discourse, infrastructures and practices has affected–and, arguably, boosted–the role of genomics in biomedical research and care. It stresses the extent to which bringing genetics out of the clinic is impacting the identity of patients, their relationship with health care professionals and their understanding of the value of data produced through medical interactions. The part considers changes in governmental discourse around the regulation of maternal and infant care, and particularly the role played by genetic knowledge in the current shift from a policy centred on population 'quality control' to an opening towards personal choice around 'reproductive insurance'. It reviews the substantial and uneven effects on popular attitudes and discourse on reproductive technologies and genetic testing.
