People who are more susceptible to genetic diseases because of family history are often given the option to have a genetic test, and the accompanying decision can be extremely difficult. Genetic tests are typically conducted using blood or other tissue to find genetic abnormalities. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are about 900 genetic tests available that may be indicated for various reasons:

• Finding genetic abnormalities in the fetus
• Finding out if individuals may carry an abnormal gene that may be passed to their children
• Screening embryos for genetic abnormalities
• Testing for genetic abnormalities before they cause symptoms
• Confirming a diagnosis in a person who has signs and symptoms of disease

There are pros and cons to genetic testing. Test results can have a big impact on a person’s emotions, social relationships, finances, and health choices. A negative test result may cause a feeling of relief and elimination of the need for special preventive checkups, tests, or surgeries. A positive test result can bring relief from uncertainty and allow people to make informed decisions about their future.

There is much concern about genetic discrimination. Examples of genetic discrimination include insurance companies and employers treating people differently because they have a gene alteration that increases their risk of a disease. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 provides some protection for people who have employer-based health insurance.

The Act prohibits group health plans from using genetic information as a basis for denying coverage if a person does not currently have a disease. However, the Act does not prohibit employers from refusing to offer health coverage as part of their benefits, or prevent insurance companies from requesting genetic information (National Cancer Institute: Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2: It's Your Choice).