Public health genetics and social justice.

This article deals with societal challenges of Public Health Genetics and reflects on social justice as its fundamental norm. Accordingly, the first emphasis is put on the difference between the idea of the good and the right. Then the capabilities approach is introduced as the adequate concept of justice in Public Health Genetics. Considering the conflict between respect for autonomy and common welfare in this field of discussion, the author finally presents an ethical grading. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.