Case Study:

The Future Is Almost Now

In the not-too-distant future, given our developing knowledge and statistical abilities, medical science may allow health care providers to take a DNA sample from a fetus and create a vast probability charta type of medical horoscope for the infant. From this, one could fashion a lifestyle precisely tuned to our genetic predispositions:

We may find that we can smoke without fear of cancer.

We may need to avoid red meat to avoid a stroke in our mid-forties.

We may be able to not worry about using sunscreen on the beach.

We may find that we should avoid living near or working at manufacturing plants that create plastics.

Our knowledge of genetics may free us from a whole range of fears that health care professionals feel obliged to warn the whole population against. Instead of following every "good for you" health rule, we can be more precise and personal in our health care efforts. On the other hand, the probability chart may warn us of a future horrific illness.

1. How do you think that a yet-to-come diagnosis would affect you today?

2. Are you ill if you have the diagnosis of a horrific condition in the future?

3. Should your health care insurance costs be targeted to account for the horrific condition?

4. Should future employers be provided with your probability chart?

5. What if the predisposition is for a horrific disease without a current cure? Could the personal probability chart become the basis for the ultimate preventive medicine, abortion?