Geneticists' increasing ability to isolate, analyze, and possibly alter the relationship between genes and specific traits in humans raises a number of social issues. Though difficult to distinguish between the social, legal, and ethical implications of genetic technologies, the social implications of genetic advances fall into three general categories: the social ramifications of genetic testing; concerns about reproduction and cloning technologies; and changing ideas of normality. A forth issue, the concept of genetic determinism, has important implications for how genetic knowledge is used.

Genetic testing takes a number of forms. Molecular probes can identify individuals afflicted with or carrying the gene for certain diseases before they experience any symptoms of the disease. When paired with amniocentesis, genetic testing can provide prospective parents with information about the sex and health of a fetus. Prospective parents...