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Ethical and Legal Challenges Associated with Public Molecular Autopsies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2021

Quianta L. Moore ,
Mary A. Majumder ,
Lindsey K. Rutherford  and
Amy L. McGuire
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Abstract

There is a national movement supporting the retention and use of bio-specimens from deceased individuals for the purpose of genetic testing. This manuscript discusses the significance of postmortem genetic testing in the context of death determination by medical examiners (i.e., public molecular autopsies). We highlight distinctive concerns that are raised in the areas of consent, confidentiality, and return of results when genetic testing is performed as part of a public molecular autopsy. We believe our manuscript will contribute to the development of a robust ethical and legal framework for genetic testing in this context.

Type
Independent Articles
Information
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics , Volume 44 , Issue 2: Ethical and Legal Issues in Pediatrics , Summer 2016 , pp. 309 - 318
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 2016

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