Tell the FDA: No prescriptions for genetic tests
Should you have to get your doctor's permission for a genetic test that can tell you and your family about hereditary health problems?
We don't think so. But the FDA recently announced that it may force some genetic tests--tests that are currently sold directly to consumers, tests that can identify and predict health risks--to be supplied exclusively through doctors. The FDA has clearly stated that some genetic tests may become accessible only to physicians, with test results sent to physicians instead of patients.
We think that's wrong. Surely you have a right to find out, without a doctor's permission, whether or not you or a loved one is a carrier of, or at risk for, genetic conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Gaucher Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs, or Hemochromatosis (currently the most widely-carried, potentially-fatal genetic defect in America).
If you agree, please support this petition and let the FDA know what you think.
Thank you!
We the undersigned urge the FDA not to impose additional restrictions on direct-to-consumer genetic tests such as requiring a doctor's prescription or sending results to physicians rather than patients.
While we greatly appreciate the care that the FDA has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that direct-to-consumer genetic tests are conducted to the highest standards, we think that we, the consumers, have a right to order genetic tests ourselves and receive the results of those tests direct from the testing company, should we choose to do so.
We fear that inserting the requirement of a doctor's permission or prescription in between consumers and test providers will add needless delays and costs to the process of obtaining potentially life-saving genetic health care information.
We thank you for taking the time to read this letter and sincerely appreciate your consideration of our position.
