Arizona Tribe Wins First Case Involving Misuse of DNA in Research

Arizona Tribe Wins First Case Involving Misuse of DNA in Research


Arizona State University (ASU), which prides itself on being an academic leader for American Indian studies, has agreed to pay $700,000 to the Havasupai Tribe for misusing their DNA in research studies.

The tribe, which has 650 members, also will receive the blood samples taken in the early 1990s and other forms of assistance from ASU, which requested genetic material to study why tribal members were experiencing high rates of diabetes, but then used the DNA for other research purposes without getting the Havasupai’s consent.

The additional research included testing to see if the tribe had different geographical origins from what it claims in its folklore. The Havasupai currently live in the Grand Canyon.

ASU researchers have been told not to visit the reservation, per a “banishment order” by the tribe.

The settlement could help shape future DNA cases and force researchers to be more careful about obtaining informed consent from subjects before performing tests.

http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Arizona_Tribe_Wins_First_Case_Involving_Misuse_of_DNA_in_Research_100423

respect are brought to the forefront. Now this information needs to be spread liberally to HEPA. A law that supposedly protects privacy, but really doesn't. It allows Govt. agencies to access your medical without your knowledge and or consent.

HEPA is a kind of air filter.

oh, and informed consent is in fact a cornerstone of HIPAA.