This book explores implicit choices made by researchers, policy makers, and funders regarding who benefits from society's investment in health research. The authors focus specifically on genetic research and examine whether such research tends to reduce or exacerbate existing health disparities. Using case examples to illustrate the issues, the authors trace the path of genetics research from discovery, through development and delivery, to health outcomes. Topics include breast cancer screening and treatment, autism research, pharmacogenetics, prenatal testing, newborn screening, and youth suicide prevention. Each chapter emphasizes the societal context of genetic research and illustrates how science might change if attention were paid to the needs of marginalized populations. Written by experts in genetics, health, and philosophy, this book argues that the scientific enterprise has a responsibility to respond to community needs to assure that research innovations achieve much needed health impacts.

1. Making Good on the Promise of Genetics: Justice in Translational ScienceSara Goering, Suzanne Holland, and Kelly A. Edwards2. The Social, Political, and Economic Underpinnings of Biomedical Research and Development: A Formidable Status QuoPatricia Kuszler3. The Input-Output Problem: Whose DNA Do We Study, and Why Does It Matter?Stephanie Malia Fullerton4. The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange: Changing Pace, Priorities, and Roles in Discovery ScienceHolly K. Tabor and Martine Lapp?Commentary on the Discovery Phase of ResearchSara Goering, Suzanne Holland, and Kelly A. Edwards5. Early Assessment of Translational OpportunitiesPatricia Deverka and David L. Veenstra6. The power of knowledge: How carrier and prenatal screening altered the clinical goals of genetic testingCommentary on the Development Phase of the Translational Cycle7. Integrating genetic tests into clinical practice: The role of guidelinesAnne-Marie Laberge and Wylie Burke8. Genomics and the Health CommonsNora Henrikson and Wylie BurkeCommentary on the Delivery Phase of the Translational CycleSara Goering, Suzanne Holland, and Kelly A. Edwards9. The Role of Advocacy in Newborn ScreeningCatharine Riley and Carolyn Watts10. What Outcomes? Whose Benefits?Wylie Burke and Nancy PressCommentary on the Outcomes Phase of the Translational CycleSara Goering, Suzanne Holland, and Kelly A. Edwards11. Bringing the "Best Science" to Bear on Youth Suicide: Why Community Perspectives MatterRosalina James and Helene Starks12. ConclusionKelly A. Edwards, Sara Goering, Suzanne Holland and Maureen Kelley