What are the key international policy positions addressing genetic testing?
A number of normative international documents address genetic testing. Certain documents exclusively explore this subject, whereas others take a more general approach and include specific dispositions on genetic tests. • For genetic testing carried out in a clinical context, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that informed consent is a prerequisite, that genetic counseling should be available both before and after testing, and that the protection of confidentiality and security of personal genetic information should be ensured (Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Molecular Genetic Testing, 2007). • The 25 Recommendations on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing (European Commission, 2004) explores the use of genetic testing for both clinical and research purposes. It addresses data protection (confidentiality, privacy, autonomy), protection against discrimination, consent, and genetic counseling.
