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Autonomy in Genetic Testing

Meaning

Autonomy in genetic testing refers to the ethical and legal right of an individual to make voluntary, informed decisions regarding the collection, analysis, and use of their genetic information. This principle mandates that patients must fully comprehend the potential clinical implications, benefits, and risks, including issues of data privacy and potential discrimination, before consenting to the procedure. It is a cornerstone of patient-centered care in the rapidly evolving field of genomics.