As reported in this week’s
NATURE the FDA recently ordered the genetic testing company 23and me to cease
providing information about potential genetic risks to health. The FDA was
essentially following the precautionary principle, citing that consumers might
misinterpret such information leading to possible harm. This decision has been
criticized by stating that such tests, as well as other non-physician provided health
information, will ‘democratize’ health care. I think this is nonsense.
The FDA did exactly the
right thing with regard to direct provision of genetic information to
consumers. Most people do not have
sufficient knowledge of medical science to rationally interpret genetic testing
and could potentially do themselves harm. The proponents of ready access to
such testing use exactly the same ‘free market’ rationale here as in their
arguments that oppose government-backed health plans in favor of a purely
private health system. They ignore the fact that a free market in the health
arena is essentially ‘inefficient’ since consumers to do have access to full
information about services provided, costs, and consequences.
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