Andelka M. Phillips
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781474422598
- eISBN:
- 9781474476485
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474422598.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Legal Profession and Ethics
The personal genomics industry (aka direct-to-consumer genetic testing) has created a market for genetic tests as consumer services. This has taken genetic testing out of the clinic and into people’s ...
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The personal genomics industry (aka direct-to-consumer genetic testing) has created a market for genetic tests as consumer services. This has taken genetic testing out of the clinic and into people’s homes. The industry is diverse offering tests for various health conditions and ancestry, as well as more dubious tests, such as ‘peace of mind’ paternity, ‘infidelity’ (or surreptitious testing), child talent, and even matchmaking. It is growing rapidly, but at present many tests are not standardized and the industry has not been subject to specific regulation. As with many other Internet based industries, companies tend to rely on their electronic wrap contracts to govern their relationships with their consumers. This book provides an introduction to the world of personal genomics and examines the rise of the industry and its use of ‘wrap’ contracts, drawing upon the author’s review of the contracts of 71 companies that provide tests for health purposes. It explores the different types of tests available and the issues that this industry raises for law and for society.Less
The personal genomics industry (aka direct-to-consumer genetic testing) has created a market for genetic tests as consumer services. This has taken genetic testing out of the clinic and into people’s homes. The industry is diverse offering tests for various health conditions and ancestry, as well as more dubious tests, such as ‘peace of mind’ paternity, ‘infidelity’ (or surreptitious testing), child talent, and even matchmaking. It is growing rapidly, but at present many tests are not standardized and the industry has not been subject to specific regulation. As with many other Internet based industries, companies tend to rely on their electronic wrap contracts to govern their relationships with their consumers. This book provides an introduction to the world of personal genomics and examines the rise of the industry and its use of ‘wrap’ contracts, drawing upon the author’s review of the contracts of 71 companies that provide tests for health purposes. It explores the different types of tests available and the issues that this industry raises for law and for society.
Andelka M Phillips
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781474422598
- eISBN:
- 9781474476485
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474422598.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Legal Profession and Ethics
This chapter provides a summary of a review of the wrap contracts of DTC companies providing genetic tests for health purposes. It identifies a number of terms that are problematic from a consumer ...
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This chapter provides a summary of a review of the wrap contracts of DTC companies providing genetic tests for health purposes. It identifies a number of terms that are problematic from a consumer protection standpoint and argues that certain terms commonly included in DTC contracts are liked to be challengeable on the grounds of unfairness under UK law.Less
This chapter provides a summary of a review of the wrap contracts of DTC companies providing genetic tests for health purposes. It identifies a number of terms that are problematic from a consumer protection standpoint and argues that certain terms commonly included in DTC contracts are liked to be challengeable on the grounds of unfairness under UK law.
Andelka M Phillips
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198796558
- eISBN:
- 9780191837814
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198796558.003.0023
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law, Medical Law
How many online contracts have you entered into this year and how many of those did you actually read? This chapter explores the impact that the designed environment of websites and electronic ...
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How many online contracts have you entered into this year and how many of those did you actually read? This chapter explores the impact that the designed environment of websites and electronic contracts have on the exercise of individual autonomy in the context of the example of direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC). DTC tests for health purposes can be viewed as an example of Personalized Medicine, but as the mode of sale usually lacks the involvement of a physician or genetic counsellor and the industry is largely unregulated, companies often rely on their contracts and privacy policies to govern relationships with consumers. This chapter seeks to shed light on the impact that offering these services online and relying on electronic contracts, which people have grown accustomed to ignoring, has on the exercise of autonomy and an individual’s ability to make an informed choice in this context.Less
How many online contracts have you entered into this year and how many of those did you actually read? This chapter explores the impact that the designed environment of websites and electronic contracts have on the exercise of individual autonomy in the context of the example of direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC). DTC tests for health purposes can be viewed as an example of Personalized Medicine, but as the mode of sale usually lacks the involvement of a physician or genetic counsellor and the industry is largely unregulated, companies often rely on their contracts and privacy policies to govern relationships with consumers. This chapter seeks to shed light on the impact that offering these services online and relying on electronic contracts, which people have grown accustomed to ignoring, has on the exercise of autonomy and an individual’s ability to make an informed choice in this context.
