Genetic information and testing in insurance and employment: technical, social and ethical issues.

One of the more complex policy issues accompanying developments in genetic knowledge relates to how personal genetic information, such as the results of genetic tests, are to be used. Basic insurance is an essential element of social structure. The definition of what constitutes basic needs should be subject to policy discussions, and must be a matter of social and political negotiation within each country. Consumer and commercial confidence in the validity of the use of genetic information in underwriting will be best maintained by the use of an independent review system.