The Journal of Iranian Health System Law

The Journal of Iranian Health System Law

Genetic Identity Under Domination: An Examination of Modern Slavery in the Realm of Healthcare Systems

Document Type : Original Article

Author
PhD in Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Advances in the biological sciences and the development of genomic technologies have established genetic identity as an inseparable component of human identity. Genetic data, in addition to playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, have gained exceptional importance in the fields of human rights, bioethics, and national security due to their inherent sensitivity. The unethical control and exploitation of this data by governmental institutions, private companies, and international actors have created profound challenges at both national and global levels. "Modern slavery" has been proposed as a powerful metaphor to describe the unethical and illegal control of genetic data, wherein individuals and nations are subjected to an invisible domination and deprived of their fundamental rights. This research employs an analytical-descriptive method to examine the legal, ethical, and security challenges associated with genetic data. The findings indicate that the absence of coherent legal frameworks, particularly within Iran’s healthcare system, has led to the misuse of such data. The commercial exploitation by private companies and the access of international entities to gene banks pose a serious threat to national security and citizens' rights. The results of this study demonstrate that revising domestic and international laws, establishing comprehensive legal frameworks, and strengthening oversight over the activities of private companies are essential. Only through international cooperation and the formulation of global treaties can effective protection of genetic data be achieved.
Keywords

Volume 1, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 55-66

  • Receive Date 28 May 2025
  • Revise Date 04 August 2025
  • Accept Date 08 September 2025