Genetic privacy

Annu Rev Med. 2003:54:393-407. doi: 10.1146/annurev.med.54.101601.152131. Epub 2001 Dec 3.

Abstract

During the past 10 years, the number of genetic tests performed more than tripled, and public concern about genetic privacy emerged. The majority of states and the U.S. government have passed regulations protecting genetic information. However, research has shown that concerns about genetic privacy are disproportionate to known instances of information misuse. Beliefs in genetic determinacy explain some of the heightened concern about genetic privacy. Discussion of the debate over genetic testing within families illustrates the most recent response to genetic privacy concerns.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Confidentiality / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Duty to Warn / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Genetic Privacy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Genetic Testing / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • Truth Disclosure
  • United States