APPROACHES TO LEGAL REGULATION OF GENETIC TESTING IN THE RULE-OF-LAW STATE

Abstract

The relevance of legal regulation of genetic testing is determined by the fact that genetic data can be used not only for the good, but also for discrimination against a person. Aim: To analyze the approaches of different countries to the development of legal regulation of genetic testing and the use of genetic data. Methods: empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation; theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic; private scientific methods: comparative legal and the method of interpretation of legal norms. Results: Two approaches are identified in legal regulation of the use of genetic data. The first approach involves limiting the freedom of contract in the field of employment or insurance, introducing general prohibitions on human rights discrimination on the grounds of genetic characteristics or creating special legal rules for insurance companies and employers. The second approach is to enact comprehensive privacy laws to protect genetic data from collection, use and disclosure without the consent of the parties involved. It is concluded that only an integrated approach to legal regulation of genetic researches and the use of genetic information, including the introduction of general prohibitions on discrimination on the ground of genetic characteristics in human rights legislation, the creation of special legal norms for insurance companies and employers, the establishment of a strictly controlled regime for genetic data use will ensure the protection of the rights of subjects of genetic data and the bio-security of the state.