МЕДИЦИНСКА, ЕТИЧКА И ПРАВНА ПИТАЊА ПОЈЕДИНАЧНОГ И ГРУПНОГ ГЕНЕТСКОГ ТЕСТИРАЊА
MEDICAL, ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES WITH REGARD TO INVIDUAL AND GROUP GENETIC TESTING

Summary/Abstract: Individual and group genetic testing represents collection of certain procedures used to determine actual or possible genetical problems of a individual (patient), or his/her family. Genetic information obtained through genetic testing reveals a score of personal genetic data which are so delicate that even the person who underwent testing (proband) may wish not to learn about their content. Revealing human genetic inclination to certain diseases may influence self-perception and result in a different attitude of the environment towards such person. This dimension of genetic data vindicates special legal protection of genetic privacy. On the other hand, genetic data differ from other personal data. They are not so strictly private, as are some other personal informations. A score of individuals or bodies may be interested to learn the results of a genetic test. Family may wish to know if they may also be caught by disease, or if the disease might spread to their offspring. Insurance companies always take family history of diseases as one of the risk indices in assessing insurance premiums, however, genetic testing now offers, it seems, much more precise means based on scientific estimation or probability. Likewise, employers may have significant interest for data disclosure when it comes to employing individuals who are likely to suffer from hereditary diseases. Without any doubt, the state also has interest to lower the incidence of genetic diseases among population. Within the whole maze of interests presented above, it is unquestionable that there is a possibility for conflict with regard to control of individual's genetic data, and one has to admit that the outcome of a genetic test may influence one's life way before the actual manifestation of illness.

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