Genetic information, rights, and autonomy

Rights, autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality are concepts commonly used i n discussions concerning genetic information. When these concepts are thoug ht of as denoting absolute norms and values which cannot be overriden by ot her considerations, conflicts among them naturally occur. In this paper, th ese and related notions are examined in terms of the duties and obligations medical professionals and their clients can have regarding genetic knowled ge. It is suggested that while the prevailing idea of autonomy is unhelpful in the analysis of these duties, and the ensuing rights, an alternative re ading of personal self-determination can provide a firmer basis for ethical guidelines and policies in this field.