The Dutch legislative policy does not focus on developing legislation specific for genetics. Genetic testing and genetic information are included in the relevant general health laws (on patient rights, quality of health services, health care professionals, insurance, medical devices etc.) Genetic related aspects are only specifically adressed in so far as the general framework does not suffice.
For instance, the Duthc Data Protection Act includes medical data which are considered sensitive data, and specifies that in principle personal genetic information may not be processed for other purposes than for the person concerned (except in case of an overriding health interest of another person or necessary for scientific research where the consent rule applies.

Discrimination on grounds of genetic heritage are not specifically regulated in the Netherlands. The Dutch Constitution stipulates in general 'All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political
opinion, race or sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.'

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