PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Michele Loi
TI  - Direct to consumer genetic testing and the libertarian right to test
AID  - 10.1136/medethics-2015-102827
DP  - 2016 Sep 01
TA  - Journal of Medical Ethics
PG  - 574--577
VI  - 42
IP  - 9
4099  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/42/9/574.short
4100  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/42/9/574.full
SO  - J Med Ethics2016 Sep 01; 42
AB  - I sketch a libertarian argument for the right to test in the context of ‘direct to consumer’ (DTC) genetic testing. A libertarian right to genetic tests, as defined here, relies on the idea of a moral right to self-ownership. I show how a libertarian right to test can be inferred from this general libertarian premise, at least as a prima facie right, shifting the burden of justification on regulators. I distinguish this distinctively libertarian position from some arguments based on considerations of utility or autonomy, which are sometimes labelled ‘libertarian’ because they oppose a tight regulation of the direct to consumer genetic testing sector. If one takes the libertarian right to test as a starting point, the whole discussion concerning autonomy and personal utility may be sidestepped. Finally, I briefly consider some considerations that justify the regulation of the DTC genetic testing market, compatible with the recognition of a prima facie right to test.