A Conceptual Framework for Genetic Policy: Comparing the Medical, Public Health, and Fundamental Rights Models

This Article presents the first attempt to develop a comprehensive legal framework governing the regulation of genetic information in the United States. Part II addresses the need for such legal framework. Part III analyzes three conceptual legal models that have been adopted in the past for regulating medical services: the medical model, the public health model, and the fundamental rights model. Part IV examines the results of medical and social scientific studies on the impact of genetic services. Part V addresses the impact of genetic services. Part VI revisits the three models to determine which is appropriate for genetics. Part VII discusses the legal justification for the fundamental rights model

Patents: The Need for Bioethics Scrutiny and Legal Change (with J. Paradise)

A patent holder can choose to license a patented invention to others, can choose to use the patented invention exclusively itself, or can choose to prevent any use of the patented invention by itself or by others. In the gene patent area, the exclusive rights of the patent holder can raise the costs of genetic services, diminish the quality of genetic tests and treatments, and interfere with access to health care