RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Privacy, autonomy and direct-to-consumer genetic testing: a response to Vayena
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP medethics-2021-107999
DO 10.1136/medethics-2021-107999
A1 Kyle van Oosterum
YR 2022
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2022/01/05/medethics-2021-107999.abstract
AB In Vayena’s article, ‘direct-to-consumer (DTC) genomics on the scales of autonomy’, she claims that there may be a strong autonomy-based argument for permitting DTC genomic services. In this response, I point out how the diminishment of one’s genetic privacy can cause a relevant autonomy-related harm which must be balanced against the autonomy-related gains DTC services provide. By drawing on conceptual connections between privacy and the Razian conception of autonomy, I show that DTC genetic testing may decrease the range of valuable options individuals possess, which impacts the extent to which would-be consumers can exercise their autonomy.