Genetic testing in Europe.

Progress made in predicting illness will alter information on the risk of illness. Whereas formerly we all shared the same uncertainty insofar as our health was concerned and believed ourselves to be equal in the face of illness, we now know that we do not all have the same chances. The genetic revolution at the root of this upheaval will, of course, have important consequences for private insurance, and in particular at the level of the insurer/policyholder relationship. This revolution is thus no longer just scientific, but equally ethical and social. Like all new knowledge, genetics arouses fear, primarily because of the abuse it could lead to, but also because of ignorance and the erroneous opinions and unfavorable prejudices that surround it. It is therefore not surprising that some people are desperate to limit certain of its applications. Such a reaction is understandable as emerging technologies quite often generate fear: for example, in the UK, at the beginning of the automobile era, an Act for further regulating the Use of Locomotives on Turnpike and other Roads for agricultural and other Purposes, which took effect on 5 July 1865, stipulated that: Every Locomotive propelled by Steam or any other than Animal Power on any Turnpike Road or public Highway shall be worked according to the following Rules and Regulations: Firstly, at least Three Persons shall be employed to drive or conduct such Locomotive ... Secondly, one of such Persons, while any Locomotive is in Motion, shall precede such Locomotive on Foot by not less than Sixty Yards, and shall carry a Red Flag constantly displayed, and shall warn the Riders and Drivers of Horses of the Approach of such Locomotive and shall signal the Driver thereof when it will be necessary to stop, and shall assist Horses, and Carriages drawn by Horses, passing the same... Fifthly, ever such Locomotive shall be instantly stopped, on the Person preceding the same, or any other Person with a Horse, or a Carriage drawn by a Horse, putting up his Hand as a Signal to require such a Locomotive to be stopped;