Mapping the human genome--friend or foe?

The Human Genome Project represents one of science's most significant advances. It offers to individuals and communities the capacity to make informed and autonomous decisions. However, it also poses fundamental questions which, it is argued, should be in contemplation now. If mechanisms for the resolution of these issues are not in place before the conclusion of the project, and are not available to guide and control its progress, individual privacy may be seriously affected. Employers, insurers and many other groups may seek access to information which would otherwise be confidential to the individual; families may be torn apart by the information held by one member in respect of the collective gene pool of the family unit. The law has a key role to play in encouraging the sensible use of this information, whilst at the same time protecting individuals and their rights.