Forensic Genetics, Ethics, Privacy, and Public Policy

Abstract

Chapter 15 covers various ethical issues associated with the use of DNA methods for forensic analyses and human rights investigations. Topics include informed consent and storage issues for samples and profiles; data security and privacy; identification of individuals using aggregate data from forensic, genealogical, research, or clinical databases; the burden of the obligation to report incidental findings that are medically actionable; cultural perspectives on genetic information; government misuse of potentially sensitive DNA data; public policy regarding the validity of pattern/experience evidence; and other non-DNA forensic science disciplines.

Incidental Findings in Forensic Investigations: A Narrative Review

“…In this regard, it is necessary that governments seek advice on how to influence public policy based on evolving genetic knowledge, and scientists should be involved in this process, as communicated in van Heyningen and Cox (2002) [24]. Authors have also reported, as noted by Lee (2020) and Teodorović et al (2017) [18,20], that, since the more science that evolves, the more information that is extrapolated by the genes, consequently genetic privacy, along with the ethical issues regarding it, needs to be re-examined.…”

“…Ethical, social, and legal concerns are always raised when sensitive and identifying personal data are collected, stored, and used [19]. Along with the evaluation of informed consent, genetic privacy is an important ethical issue that needs to be addressed and revisited on a regular basis, as research and technology continue to expand our technical capabilities [20]. In fact, forensic scientists, bioethicists, law enforcement agencies, genetic genealogists, and other interested parties should collaborate in the development of international policies and guidelines for best practices [21,22].…”