Law and governance seminar: ‘Carbolic smoke ball meets the Internet’

Ten years after the first full sequencing of the human genome, a number of private companies are now offering consumers a wide array of genetic tests for as little as a few hundred dollars.

These tests range from the mildly benign, such as tests related to genealogy and male pattern baldness, to the highly controversial – such as those looking for markers for an elevated predisposition to mental illness, cancers and other serious conditions.

The first in a series of monthly seminars presented by Macquarie Law School’s Law and Governance Concentration of Research Excellence will take a look at the growing phenomenon of genetic testing, the dangers it presents and its legal implications. 

‘Do it yourself genetics: Carbolic smoke ball meets the Internet’ will be presented by David Weisbrot, former president of the Australian Law Review Commission, now Professor of Law at Macquarie University on April 1.

Weisbrot is well qualified to speak about the dangers of do-it-yourself genetic testing. He has an impressive international reputation in the area of law and medicine and is a member of the Human Genetics Advisory Committee and the Human Genome Organisation.

Many of the private companies involved with offering consumers genetic testing aggressively market their services directly to the consumer without the mediation of a family doctor or genetic counsellor, Weisbrot said. One of the most active of these companies 23andMe has its roots in Google, while in Australia, the private health insurer NIB has promoted genetic testing as a ‘service’ to its members.

Weisbrot says serious concerns arise about such key matters as quality assurance, the absence – or limited nature – of genetic counselling, and issues relating to medical ethics and consumer privacy.

The seminar is free, but reservations would be appreciated by Monday, March 29.

What: Law and governance seminar: ‘Carbolic smoke ball meets the Internet’.
When: Thursday, April 1, 11am – 12:30pm
Where: Blackshield Room in the Law School (W3A 501)
RSVP: By March 29 to Shideh Modabber at modabbers@yahoo.com.sg