title: The examination of genetic characteristics since the adoption of the French law on bioethics.
abstract: The French bioethics law of July 1994 was due to be revised five years after its enactment. It was not until 6 August 2004, that the revised law was finally adopted. The examination of the genetic characteristics of a person may only be undertaken for medical purposes or for the purposes of scientific research. Consent must therefore be obtained in writing, after fully informing the patient, and may be withdrawn at any time, in either form (orally or in writing). French law nevertheless authorises carrying out such an examination where there is no consent, solely for medical purposes and in the interest of the patient. The issue has arisen of the detection of a serious genetic anomaly during an examination of genetic characteristics. In this respect, certain anomalies may lead to the patient's relatives being tested, in order to suggest suitable treatment. A procedure for informing families has been implemented by the French Biomedicine Agency (details of which will be specified in a decree).
authors.affiliation: Medical Law Consultation, Amiens Nord Teaching Hospital, Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manaouil
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Graser
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chatelain
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Jardé
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005602:France; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016365:Liability, Legal; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*