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Parental Consent Approaches for Newborn Whole-Genome Sequencing–Based Screening

  • Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
  • Abbr : 의료윤리
  • 2026, 29(1), pp.15~29
  • Publisher : The Korean Society For Medical Ethics
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > General Medicine
  • Received : February 12, 2026
  • Accepted : March 20, 2026
  • Published : March 31, 2026

HyeonJeong Park 1 lee junghyun 1 유원후 1 Hannah Kim ORD ID 1

1연세대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop a standardized informed consent system for whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based newborn screening (NBS) in Korea through a policy design approach grounded in the domestic legal and policy context. We conducted an integrated literature review of international norms, domestic legal frameworks, guidelines, and major overseas WGS-based NBS programs using a common analytical framework. To develop a consent model feasible in the Korean context, we also analyzed stakeholder evidence from parent interviews and a clinician survey focused on consent-related issues. The findings indicate that the current Korean legal and institutional framework does not adequately address long-term storage, reanalysis, recontact, and the transfer of decision-making authority as the child matures. Based on these findings, we propose a Korean informed consent model consisting of a staged consent pathway spanning antenatal, postnatal, and adulthood-related decision points; tiered consent options for the return of results; and safeguards against disadvantage or discrimination related to participation, non-participation, or withdrawal. The study further suggests that implementation will require broader legal and procedural clarification across the relevant regulatory framework, along with the continued development of education and counseling strategies.

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