So I signed up to have my genome sequenced and the result made publicly available for scientific study, along with certain voluntarily disclosed personal health details and some other personal details etc. I'm doing it with a study called the Personal Genome Project, which works with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST in the USA). My name won't be associated with my genome or my health details, but there's a reasonable chance that someone could work out which sample was mine at some point.
I recognize that there are certain risks involved in this, like insurance deciding not to cover someone who has certain genetic characteristics, or companies not wanting to hire someone with certain other characteristics. I don't foresee GATTACA ever happening, and I don't imagine I'll ever see any consequences from this, but I know it's possible. My father has already submitted his genetic sample to them for sequencing, so when we're both complete, I'll be able to see how his genome compares to mine. I'll be able to see genetic markers that show my ancestry. I'll be better equipped to know what sorts of genetic illnesses to watch for as I age.
I know there are a lot of risks, but I see some benefits to me, and HUGE benefits to science as a whole. I think the more we know about genetics, the better off humanity will be as a species, and I'm proud to be a small part of that.
This is the link to the project: http://www.personalgenomes.org/
Would you consider doing something like this, or is it too risky? Would you be afraid of what it might tell you about your family or about your potential medical future? Is genetic advancement important to you?