The sequencing of human genes began in 1990 with the launch of the Human Genome Project. This project was initiated by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy and led by the National Human Genome Research Institute. Its main task was to sequence all base pairs of the human genome. “A genome is an organism's complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a chemical compound that contains the genetic instructions necessary to develop and direct the activities of each organism” (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2010). The goal was to have a complete picture of the human genome to further discover the role genes play in the development of diseases and, ultimately, pave the way for prevention, earlier detection and diagnosis, and medical treatments more advanced. Several volunteers provided anonymous blood samples for use in the project after giving consent. The project was completed in April 2003 and the results were made public on the Internet. The Human Genome Project has already led to the discovery of more than 1,800 disease genes, and more than 2,000 genetic tests now exist to let people know their genetic risks and help doctors diagnose diseases (National Institutes of Health, 2010). There are many companies now offering genetic sequencing to people who can afford it. Most genetic sequencing services range from thousands of dollars. However, there are ethical implications of sequencing human genes that might dissuade a person from doing so. Ethical Issues Before delving into the ethical issues posed by sequencing human genes, there are some advantages and disadvantages that might be explored. At first glance the idea of ​​gene sequencing seems advantageous; h...... half of the paper ......could say about them; family members who have not requested testing may wish to remain in the dark about the possible health implications such testing may provide. If the data collected is considered alarming but uncertain or not actionable, an individual does not necessarily have the right to know (Henderson, 2012). If genetic information is shared and put into the wrong hands, there is a risk of discrimination. Employers, insurance companies, educational institutions and banks could use this information to make decisions about an individual based on what their genetic pattern says about them. There are currently no state or federal laws regulating the use of genomic sequencing data. Specific laws designed to protect genetic information address only where and by whom the information is collected; does not offer privacy protection to people (Gutmann, 2012).