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.
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.
Thomas J. White and Steven B. Lee
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190909444
- eISBN:
- 9780197539958
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190909444.003.0016
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Chapter 15 covers various ethical issues associated with the use of DNA methods for forensic analyses and human rights investigations. Topics include informed consent and storage issues for samples ...
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Chapter 15 covers various ethical issues associated with the use of DNA methods for forensic analyses and human rights investigations. Topics include informed consent and storage issues for samples and profiles; data security and privacy; identification of individuals using aggregate data from forensic, genealogical, research, or clinical databases; the burden of the obligation to report incidental findings that are medically actionable; cultural perspectives on genetic information; government misuse of potentially sensitive DNA data; public policy regarding the validity of pattern/experience evidence; and other non-DNA forensic science disciplines.Less
Chapter 15 covers various ethical issues associated with the use of DNA methods for forensic analyses and human rights investigations. Topics include informed consent and storage issues for samples and profiles; data security and privacy; identification of individuals using aggregate data from forensic, genealogical, research, or clinical databases; the burden of the obligation to report incidental findings that are medically actionable; cultural perspectives on genetic information; government misuse of potentially sensitive DNA data; public policy regarding the validity of pattern/experience evidence; and other non-DNA forensic science disciplines.
