Genetic Exceptionalism: Genetic Information and Public Policy

Amanda K. Sarata
Analyst in Health Policy and Genetics

The Human Genome Project, from inception through completion, has generated a great deal of debate over the appropriate uses, as well as potential misuses, of genetic information. Legislation that is specific to genetics is predicated on the concept of genetic exceptionalism, or the premise that genetic information is unique and, therefore, merits both special and different, or exceptional, treatment. As applied to public policy, this translates into genetics-specific legislative approaches to various health policy issues such as the oversight of genetic tests, privacy, and discrimination in health insurance. Amidst great concern over the potential for the misuse of genetic information, most states passed genetics legislation during the past decade and a half in areas such as genetic privacy, genetic discrimination in health insurance, and genetic discrimination in employment. A genetic exceptionalist approach was taken by lawmakers in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-233).

This report provides an overview of the nature of genetic information and its implications for individuals, family, and society. Individuals utilize genetic information to guide health care and other decisions, when possible, and may experience anxiety as a result of genetic test results. Genetic test results for an individual may often be informative for other close family members and thus influence their care decisions. Society must grapple with the effect genetic information may have on our conception of disease, as well as its impact on issues like privacy and equity. The report ends by summarizing the main issues involved with a genetic exceptionalist approach to public policy, including defining genetic information; physically separating genetic information from other medical information; unintended disparities between "genetic" and "nongenetic" disease; and the effect of legislation on participation in genetic research, on uptake of genetic technology and on the delivery of high quality health care.


Date of Report: February 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 11
Order Number: RL34376
Price: $29.95

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