Genetic testing and protection of genetic privacy: A comparative legal analysis in Europe and Australia

Abstract

Progress in the field of biomedical science has made it possible to obtain greater knowledge of the human genome and the nature of genetic disorders. Thanks to these advances, doctors now have the tools to diagnose certain disorders, and to carry out genetic tests to determine increased risks of developing other illnesses and of passing them on to future generations. In addition to the classic single gene disorders (like hemophilia and sickle cell anaemia), susceptibility genes are also being identified for genetically complex diseases, including many types of cancer, Alzheimer‘s disease, diabetes and other illnesses (House of Lords, 2009, p. 8). We can look toward a future where genetic test results are an important part of every healthy person’s medical file.