U.S. Public Opinion on Uses of Genetic Information and Genetic Discrimination


 

Publication Date: April 2007

Publisher: Genetics and Public Policy Center

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act; Surveys; Genetic information; Genetic discrimination

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

While Americans are generally very supportive of the use of genetic information to improve their own health and the health of their families, 92 percent are wary that this same information could be used in ways that harm them, according to a public opinion survey by the Genetics and Public Policy Center conducted in late February and early March of 2007. Moreover, three in four Americans support legislation that would prevent health insurers or employers from having access to their genetic information, or from making decisions about employment or insurability based on genetic test results.