The new genetic era in reproductive medicine: Possibilities, probabilitiesand problems

The "New Genetic Era" will be a period of enormous exponential growth in ou r knowledge of the structure and function of the basic information blocks o f life. The Human Genome Project will soon provide a complete and accurate sequence of the human genome. This will give us an abundance of basic genet ic knowledge and provide a molecular understanding of disease, allowing for improved diagnosis and more sensitive and specific screening for disease. This will, we hope, lead to better treatments, prevention and cures through gene therapy, patient-specific drug design, and earlier and more specific behavioral interventions to prevent disease. With this information comes a complexity of legal, ethical and social concerns about potential use and ab use. The public has expressed its concerns about the potential for genetic discrimination. However, genetic information is enhancing our knowledge as to the causes of infertility, allowing diagnosis of more diseases in the pr enatal period, and may aid our identification of patients at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Doctors involved in reproductive medicine m ust become knowledgeable about the new genetic era so as to offer our patie nts the most appropriate and informed care.