TY - JOUR T1 - Direct to consumer genetic testing and the libertarian right to test JF - Journal of Medical Ethics JO - J Med Ethics SP - 574 LP - 577 DO - 10.1136/medethics-2015-102827 VL - 42 IS - 9 AU - Michele Loi Y1 - 2016/09/01 UR - http://jme.bmj.com/content/42/9/574.abstract N2 - 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. ER -