Genetics is where we come from. It’s our history and our future, and it is entirely natural to want to know the story. But for some, genetics is a loaded gun. In fact, some things are better left unknown, especially if the insurance industry can use the information against you.

For the past five years, lawyer and genetic counsellor Jane Tiller has become something of an Erin Brockovich-type of figure; a David fighting the Goliaths of the life insurance industry who have used genetic information to discriminate against would-be policyholders.