Genetic testing may be able to
1. Diagnose diseases in a fetus,
2. Screen a newborn for various genetic disorders,
3. Determine whether an individual has a predisposition to a certain disease,
4. Determine whether an individual who carries a genetic disorder may pass a genetic disease to an offspring,
5. Help forensic investigators identify the perpetrators of crimes,
6. Help determine whether an individual is predisposed to be especially sensitive to certain toxic substances.
The information derived from genetic tests might be used to screen applicants for jobs, insurance and marriage licenses. Personal genetic information might help individuals decide whether they should avoid procreation or whether they might consider aborting a fetus known to have a genetic disorder. 'Responsible parties' may include employers and potential employers, health care professionals, insurance companies and legal authorities.
Pro: Knowledge of the genetic makeup of certain individuals can assist responsible parties to make decisions that affect the success of companies.
Con: Information regarding the genetic makeup of certain individuals can be misused. Blackmail is always a possibility.
Con: Information regarding the genetic makeup of certain individuals may not be an accurate predictor of the destiny of those people.