GENETIC TESTING - AN ECONOMIC AND CONTRACTARIAN ANALYSIS

Medical researchers are rapidly identifying the genetic causes of many diseases. Genes that increase the risk of contracting Alzheimer's, co lon and breast cancer, Huntington's, cystic fibrosis and numerous othe r diseases have been identified. Genetic tests can reveal an individua l's probable health status many years in advance of sickness. Many fea r that this will lead to 'genetic discrimination' in the employment an d health insurance markets. Solutions such as consent laws are impract ical and create adverse selection problems. A new form of insurance, g enetic insurance, can eliminate these problems and allow everyone to b e insured.