Addressing legal and ethical implications of genomic findings
Genomic findings come with significant benefits for societies, including in medicine and education. These benefits are made possible due to the amount of information we can now extract from an individual’s genetic data. This advancement, however, makes urgent the need for updated legal protection of individuals.
Key legal and ethical implications
Key legal and ethical implication which require urgent attention by governments and legislators include, Data Protection / Privacy; Children’s rights; Discrimination (e.g insurance, employment, education); Liability; State Surveillance, read more…
Our work is interdisciplinary and international: To address the current legal protection issue, TAGC brings together efforts from lawyers, scientists, media and policy makers. For greater progress, and due to the global of genetic research and the unique nature of genomic data – TAGC works with partners internationally, including InLab, Goldsmiths, University of London, and the Institute of Law and Ethics at the International Centre for Research on Human Development, Tomsk State University.
Our work includes: Training; Expert opinions on matters legal matters; Knowledge dissemination; Reviewing law & practice; Reviewing ethical guidelines; and Proposals for policy and legislative updates. Read more…
Legislative and policy updates
Laws in place do not provide sufficient protection for people. The need for specific laws is particularly urgent considering the extent of information that can be extracted from genetic data, the permanent nature of genetic data; the large genetic data pools; and the regular data breaches. Legal regulation is also essential for benefits of genetic science to reach all people.
To respond to this issue, TAGC, in collaboration with its members, have set up the Working Group on Legal, Ethical and Societal Implications of Genetics (LESIG), which operates in the UK and Russia.
iGLAS for Justice Systems
TAGC and the Institute for Law and Ethics at the ICRHD have developed a survey /questionnaire on legal and ethical implications of genetics, iGLAS for Justice Systems, tailored to stakeholders of the justice systems, including lawyers, law students and judges. Read more…
Collaborations and contact
Contact: Fatos Selita, fs@inblc.com
ORGANISATIONS: We welcome proposals for collaborations, including from research organisations, law organisations (e.g. law firms, chambers, law schools), policy institutions and interdisciplinary organisations.
INDIVIDUALS: If you are a lawyer, judge or geneticist with an interest on legal implications of genomic findings, we will be happy to hear from you.
Key partner on LESIG work
Institute for Law & Ethics
ILE brings together Lawyers, Scientists and Policymakers to work on legal and ethical implications of genetics, including updating laws to protect individuals and ensure fair use of genetic findings.
ILE also provides professional training, consultation, reports and expert opinions in matters related to legal and ethical implications of genetics.
The Institute collaborates with international partners, including in the UK, USA, China and Canada.
