Editorial Praises Patient Privacy Protections in Blood and DNA Sample Storage Bill
An Orange County Register editorial argues that "it is welcome news that [Assembly member] Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) has introduced a bill (AB 170) to protect the privacy of Californians' blood and DNA samples taken at birth." It notes that "California is one of seven states that retain samples -- without parental consent -- for later research," but AB 170 would strengthen parental notification requirements and "require the state to honor the request of a parent or guardian to destroy their child's blood sample." The editorial concludes, "AB 170 is a commonsense step toward protecting the privacy of those with concerns who feel otherwise."
- "Protect Californian' DNA Privacy" (Orange County Register, 2/11).