The Human Genome Project

Having your genome mapped out seems like something that could be quite useful, helpful, and altogether good. However, knowing your full genome could prove to have multiple downsides. For example, health insurance companies could decide not to cover you because of a genetic disorder which could prove to be too costly. Also, it seems like it would make public private information that you wouldn't want other people to know. If I had an odd genetic disorder I most likely wouldn't want many people knowing about it. Having this kind of information so available to anyone would just play another part in what seems to be one of the most over-exposed eras. It could also cause a lot of stress - even if a disorder that you found out about through this test didn't affect your daily life, it would still be stressful knowing you had it. Also, this test would allow for a whole new definition for the word 'hypochondriac'. "Many in the medical establishment feel that... the tests' potential for provoking anxiety, and risks for discrimination and social stigmatization could outweigh the benefits of testing." (http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetest.shtml#procon) While I know this test would be helpful for doctors in treatments and the study of medicine, I believe it could have more of a negative effect socially.