Why regulate genetic testing?
HGA’s primary concern about the direct marketing of genetic tests is the harm that may be caused to both individuals and society if market forces are allowed to control the availability of genetic tests. We would emphasise that this is not merely speculation. In the USA, where genetic tests are currently not regulated we have already seen: • Testing without requirements for counselling or consent, • The marketing of tests whose predictive value and medical utility is uncertain, • Manipulative advertising • Testing that abuses children’s rights • Widespread availability of unethical tests, such as prenatal sex selection HGA therefore believes that it is imperative to regulate genetic testing, which should always be done in the context of medical practice. It is crucial that regulation encompasses genetic testing as a practice, not merely genetic tests. Genetic tests may be offered in different contexts. The consequences that flow from them, both for individuals and for society, will dep
