Legislative and ethical peculiarities of human genetic data protection

Abstract

Genetic science related to the individual as the main subject of the research is exposed to a wide range of ethical and legal issues. From the developments in genetic science other science have evolved, thanks to which the modern world is able to protect the genetic information of data, and to receive the sanction while ignoring the laws of such data. However, there are still many problems related to the protection of personal genetic information, such Regulatory standards, the inviolability of an individual, the assurance of freedom and privacy of information. Genetic discrimination is strictly forbidden by international conventions and declarations (Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, concerning Biomedical Research, Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament), which means that discrimination on grounds of personal genetic information (diseases, abnormalities) is not available in all areas, including employment and insurance. However, individuals face some problems unable to get a job due to the publicity and information disclosure to their employers, or increasing the amount of insurance premiums. It is essential to protect genetic rights, because of that any form of discrimination against a person on grounds of his genetic heritage is prohibited and intervetion in the health field or disclosure of such information may only be carried out after the person concerned has given free and informed consent to it.