Despite its many benefits and growing adoption, a few EU member states limit direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing—or in the case of France and Germany prohibit it altogether. EU policymakers should take the lead on calling for the consistency of these rules across Europe. Harmonizing laws to create a single market for DTC genetic testing will unlock the potential of genetic data for all EU member states. DTC genetic testing provides an opportunity to increase wellness and prevention efforts in healthcare, and is transforming the practice of medicine. Countries that prohibit these tests are limiting their populations’ ability to access information about their own genetic legacies, which could be critical to their future health, and will fail to harness the significant economic benefits technological progress offers.
Read the full article in Health Europa.
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