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Informed Consent in Forensic DNA Databases: Volunteering, Constructions of Risk and Identity Categorization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2009

Helena Machado  and
Susana Silva
Helena Machado
Affiliation:
Research Centre for the Social Sciences, University of Minho, Portugal and Centre for Social Sciences, University of Coimbra, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal E-mail: hmachado@ics.uminho.pt
Susana Silva
Affiliation:
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Cardiovascular R&D Unit, University of Porto Medical School, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal E-mail: susilva@med.up.pt
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Abstract

In this article we aim to expand the traditional ethical issues related to the use and storage of genetic information in forensic DNA databases by exploring the Portuguese practices of informed consent in the context of DNA sample collection for forensic processing. This article focuses on three interrelated domains: the practice of volunteering to contribute to the Portuguese forensic DNA database; the portfolio of risks presented to DNA donors; and the ethical implications of requesting donors’ ethnic group among their personal data. We argue that the Portuguese forensic DNA database is an interesting case study to re-focus the ethical debate on the implications of collecting genetic information, elucidating how this activity reconfigures interpersonal relations and social hierarchy, the power of legal medicine and criminal justice, and the social construction of personal autonomy, privacy and individual rights. The practices of informed consent need to incorporate answers to risks and uncertainties posed by collecting DNA samples and DNA profiling in forensic genetic databases.

Keywords

Forensic DNA DatabasesIdentityInformed ConsentRiskPortugal
Type
Articles
Information
BioSocieties , Volume 4 , Issue 4 , December 2009 , pp. 335 - 348
Copyright
Copyright © London School of Economics and Political Science 2009

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