Discrimination Based on Genetic Information in South Asia: An Exploratory Study of Constitutions and Relevant Laws

Abstract

Abstract The progress in precision medicine has resulted in genomic technology spreading worldwide. This has raised concerns about the ethics of genetic data sharing and privacy. This article focuses on South Asia and first aims to identify, analyze, and understand the laws, regulations, and policies related to genetic data privacy and discrimination in that region. This is accomplished through a qualitative examination of existing laws and policies on privacy rights and a doctrinal analysis of legislation gathered from seven jurisdictions, viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Following the presentation of the country-specific study, the article turns to discussing the study's results, which suggest that the area lacks both national norms and a regional policy specific to the protection of personal genetic data. The article then offers possible reasons for this outcome and suggests that the countries must formulate culturally sensitive regulations and universally applicable legal principles for genetic privacy notwithstanding the existing challenges of poverty, non-uniform demographics, and an absence of political will.