Informed consent for forensic genetic population studies: Status quo and a call for harmonization

Donor-signed informed consent is a fundamental prerequisite for ethically correct analysis and publication of genetic data in forensic population studies, including quality assessment of datasets and their inclusion into frequency databases. While considerations on the requirement and content of informed consent have been published, little information is available with regard to the actual nature of the documents currently in use. This study investigated 50 recent informed consent forms submitted to EMPOP and STRidER from a broad range of contributors across worldwide legislations, irrespective of the quality of the associated genetic data. The common ground of the informed consent forms, their specific content and differences, and the extent to which they contain suggested components are outlined. This evaluation of authentic informed consent form diversity adds to the discussion on formal aspects to be covered at the time of sampling and may expedite future harmonization of informed consent in forensic population studies, assuring ethical principles in the application of precious sample sets for a broad range of investigations across genetic disciplines.