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Ethical issues in human genetics
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Overview
Developments in genetic technologies present opportunities for improvements in human health, but also raise issues about privacy and consent. AHEC has published several documents about human genetic information, and links to these are provided below.
Publications
The following publications provide specific inform about human genetics.
In 2003, AHEC and the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) completed a joint inquiry into the protection of human genetic information. Further information on this inquiry is available on the ALRC website.
Ethical aspects of human genetic testing: an information paper
This paper focuses on the key ethical issues related to genetic testing, such as obtaining consent, counselling, and privacy and confidentiality matters.
Guidelines for genetic registers and associated genetic material
This document identifies matters for ethical consideration that relate to the establishment and operation of genetic registers.
Guidelines for ethical review of research proposals for human somatic cell gene therapy and related therapies
These Guidelines identify bodies other than Human Research Ethics Committees from which approval may need to be obtained for research proposals in these areas.
Reference documents
The following documents were developed by the Working Party to inform consultation on animal-to-human transplantation.
- » Statement on DNA Sampling: Control and Access by the HUGO Ethics Committee
- » The Principled Conduct of Genetic Research by the HUGO Ethics Committee
- » Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (See Section 8, Human Genetics Research)