Ethics of Buying DNA

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Genomic Science
• Commercial Ethics

Background:

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies create large DNA databanks from customer contributions.
• Falling genetic analysis costs increase interest in financially incentivizing DNA and personal data acquisition for database expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ethically analyze the implications of private companies offering financial incentives for DNA samples.
• To explore the benefits and ethical concerns surrounding paid DNA acquisition for genomic databases.

Main Methods:

• Ethical framework analysis of financial incentives for biological samples.
• Review of potential issues: crowding out, undue inducement, exploitation, and commodification.
• Philosophical and empirical evaluation of objections to payment for DNA.

Main Results:

• Genomic databases offer significant commercial and research value.
• Financial incentives can address concerns about data acquisition and database enhancement.
• Identified ethical issues require further investigation but do not present decisive objections.

Conclusions:

• Paying for DNA samples is a viable strategy for building robust genomic databases.
• Ethical objections, while valid areas for study, do not currently preclude the use of financial incentives.
• The benefits of enhanced genomic databases may outweigh the ethical considerations when financial incentives are employed.