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Issues concerning the treatment of the social aspect of the new genetics are discussed. This includes the social use and abuse of genetics, eugenics and genetic determinism, and professional responsibilities and expertise. The ability of scientists and clinicians to call attention to the social implications of genetics can promote the benefits of their work and marginalize criticism.

This paper describes a qualitative study of the processes employed within a genetic counselling consultation. These processes, it is argued, can be seen to provide the patient with a genetic identity. But unlike the new identity conferred by the diagnosis of many chronic medical conditions a genetic identity is presented as an old one that is now revealed. This represents a reversal of the stigmatising process: instead of a spoiled identity replacing an actual one, the genetic consultation involves revealing an actual identity in the place of a previously presumed one. In this way, genetic counselling reconstructs identity in the past as well as in the future. Key words - genetic counselling, genetic risk

The study of rhetoric has played an important role on the social implications of medical genetics, and its efficacy can be viewed through a brief comparison of the rhetorical and deconstructivist approaches of genetic medicine. Arguments have been raised on the emergence of medical genetics. One is that it encourages a biologically deterministic way of thinking, while another argument is that it enhances discriminatory thought. A rhetorical analysis of genetic medicine has focused on the field's discourses using a systematic survey of randomly selected magazines on genetics.

The rapid pace of biomedical research has seriously challenged society s ability to make informed and reasoned choices about whether and how to proceed with its development and use. Typically, [...]

Multiplex genetic testing will have important consequences for the insurance companies. According to the US Institute of Medicine's Committee on Assessing Genetic Risks, genetic testing will soon become a common medical practice and will make traditional pathological tests redundant. The DNA-based technology has the potential of predicting diseases whose symptoms have not developed at the time of test. People may take advantage of this fact and get insured. However, denying genetic information to insurance companies could seriously jeopardize both the company and the beneficiary financially.

Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee chair Nancy Kassebaum has averred that she will not back an amendment in the Health Insurance Reform Act prohibiting health insurers from using genetic information to refuse coverage. Sponsored by Kassebaum and Edward Kennedy, the bill ensures continued health insurance coverage to those who will fall ill, change or leave their jobs. Thus, it prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on factors that include pre-existing medical conditions and medical history. Kassebaum's refusal to amend the bill may stem from the need to maintain the consensus behind a health reform bill in the Senate.