Formen und Felder genetischer Diskriminierung: Ein Überblick über empirische Studien und aktuelle Fälle

Over the past 25 years, the rapid development of biochemical and DNA-based tests for human genetic conditions have engendered a technological revolution in medical diagnosis. With the increased ability to identify genetic differences, there is also concern that genetic testing may be used to discriminate against individuals and social groups. This article presents the results of the few available empirical studies on genetic discrimination, and it sums up the legal regulations that address this problem in different countries and supranational organizations. A subsequent part of the contribution centers on cases of exclusion and stigmatization that have been reported in Germany by so-called persons at risk for Huntington’s Disease, a late onset genetic disorder. The article concludes by pointing out some limitations that characterize the present scientific engagement with genetic discrimination and the socio-political discussion of the problem.