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“A cardinal principle that we must not stray from - no exceptions - is that your genetic information is your business in terms of who sees it. Nobody should be gaining access to that information without your explicit permission, and nobody should be requiring you to take a genetic test unless you…” quote by Francis Collins
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“A cardinal principle that we must not stray from - no exceptions - is that your genetic information is your business in terms of who sees it. Nobody should be gaining access to that information without your explicit permission, and nobody should be requiring you to take a genetic test unless you decide that that's what you want to do.”

Francis Collins

About This Quote

Source Interview: National Institutes of Health, 2018, Genomics Ethics

Genetic data is personal; consent is essential; no one should force testing.

In simple terms: Your DNA belongs to you; you control its use.

Key Takeaway

Protect genetic privacy.

Themes

ethics privacy healthcare

Mood

cautious ethical

Type

ethical informative

When to use this quote

  • medical research
  • insurance underwriting
  • employment screening

Key Concepts

informed consent data ownership genomic testing

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards ensure consent is truly informed?
  • How to handle emergencies needing genetic data?
A Different Perspective

Balancing research benefits with individual rights is complex.

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