Risks associated with genetic testing risk of discrimination in health insurance and employment. Also, people may experience emotional, social, or financial consequences from the test results.…
Genetic testing can also be performed on parents before they conceive a child to determine whether they are carriers of the disease. This would be especially important if both parents were from high-risk populations to prevent families from going through this horrible experience.…
"It's good to know where you come from. It makes you what you are today. It's DNA, it's in your blood. Alexander McQueen".DNA testing is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organism, with the exception of some viruses can solve many mysteries and I believe there are three main reason why it is beneficial for society.…
The Human Genome project, a revolutionary study that spanned over 13 years, hoped to discover more about the DNA of humans. The study's main goal was to provide new information to help with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of genetic disorders. From the substantial amount of information and knowledge acquired from the project, new ways to test for genetic disorders, and the probabilities of inheriting disorders was gained. Gene testing, which involved taking a sample of a persons DNA, helped screen for a number of different disorders and problems. Before genetic testing, couples at risk of conceiving a child with a particular genetic disorder would have to initiate the pregnancy and then undergo the testing, faced with the dilemma of terminating the birth if the results weren't good. But because of the new technology available, with the combined effort of IVF, sperm and egg cells can be removed from both individuals, and the eggs would then be fertilized within a laboratory. The embryo's would then be tested for genetic mutations,…
Concerning genetic testing in general, a study found that among those who were confirmed to have the Tay-Sachs recessive gene, “about half of the carriers expressed a sense of shocked surprise… having been found to have some imperfection” (Childs). A lack of understanding or a false misconception about the idea of “carrier” status results in discomfort and an unwillingness to be tested; preferring a state of blissful ignorance. Since Tay-Sachs is an autosomal recessive disorder, being a carrier does not mean one has an “imperfection” or one has the potential to develop the disease but that they have the potential to pass on the disease to their children. They also do not express symptoms of the disease-- a common misbelief. And, even despite being a carrier, it does not mean that one’s child would ultimately be a Tay-Sachs child or even a carrier; “if only one parent is a carrier, there is no chance the child will have Tay-Sachs...a 2 in 4 (50%) chance that the child will be a carrier” (“Tay-Sachs Disease”). A diagnosis is not a condemning statement, but makes the prospective parents aware of the “potential” harm that might befall the child, if both happen to be carriers. In addition, Rosner states that “if the purpose of Tay-Sachs screening is to provide eligible clients with genetic counseling about reproductive and mating options, few would argue against screening” (Rosner).The common stigma that genetic screening may be used outside of medical usage breeds the misconception that genetic testing is wholistically bad and may be used to harm the individual. However, Rosner argues, that genetic screening is inherently not bad, but the way we use it. However, on the topic of the latter method, prenatal screening is riddled with controversy, specifically with the ability to pick the reproductive route. Since…
Amy and Kif have decided they want to bring a child into this world. Having a child changes a couple lives forever. They have to think of someone else needs before their own. Having a child can be scary because you cannot predict anything about him or her. So when Amy and Kif heard about genetic screening they thought it was a wonderful idea. They are in interested in the idea of eugenics. Eugenics is selective breeding for the best people possible. Why not pick the exact traits of your baby? Sounds like a great idea to people that have not done their research about this topic. With the use of modern technology, doctors can do this with genetic screening. Couples should not be able to use genetic screening should not be allowed because of how it will affect society as a whole.…
How much of genetic information can the parents or relatives access raises a concern that it might result in an excessive use of reprogenetics. Furthermore, if scientists allow DNA screening for parents to avoid passing genetic diseases to their children, that might lead to more designer babies. Human genetic engineering is new and current field that has its pros and cons. Therefore, we should be more concerned about setting up the limits of how much access the public and scientists can have on genetic information, and taking in consideration the ethical issues behind…
This final paper will discuss the ongoing debate of genetic/prenatal testing. Procedures for genetic/prenatal testing have been available since the early 1970's (Press, 2008, pp. 73-78). Genetic testing identifies abnormalities or changes in the chromosomes and genes. This type of testing is used to confirm or deny a suspected genetic condition or used to predict a person's chances of developing or passing on a certain disorder (Grant, 2000). Once the woman wants to go ahead with the genetic testing, a primary care doctor or genetic specialist places an order for the test. Genetic testing is often done as part of a genetic consultation (Press, 2008, pp. 73-78). It is very important that the patient knows every aspect of the procedure including…
Imagine, deciding to have a baby but instead of going to the hospital going somewhere similar to subway to “have it your way.” Designer babies give humans the ability to choose wanted characteristics for a child. Although the technology for this project is still in its first steps, today it is a possibility. Designer babies seem like a fabulous idea but it should not be worth overpopulating the world, using babies as science experiments, and only allowing the rich to create a perfect baby.…
Since the test involves taking only a small blood sample, where a person’s DNA can be found, these tests have a minimal health risk. Genetic testing was initially used in pregnancies to test for diseases like Down's Syndrome and other genetic disorders (“What are the...”). However, thanks to more recent improvements, genetic testing has come to display several weaknesses and strengths. The genes that can be obtained from infants can notify parents of possible physical deficiencies, while others may show physical advantages (Stein).…
Genetic testing has potential benefits, such as you can see if your chromosomes are positive for a genetic mutation. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty about having a mentally or physical ill child because no one wants that for your child. They also help people make informed decisions about managing their health care. For example, a negative result for the mutation can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests in some cases. A positive result, having the mutation, can direct a person toward available prevention, monitoring, and treatment options. Some test results can also help people make decisions about having children. Newborn screening can identify genetic disorders early in life so treatment can be started as early as possible.…
From a patient’s perspective, people tend to see genetic information as more definitive, in the sense that 'you cannot change your genes' and that 'genes tell all about your future.’ Such genetic determinism is an oversimplification and does not take into account the nature of biologic pathways. From a provider’s perspective, genomics presents challenges with respect to ethical and professional responsibilities, including the appropriate use of genomic information in the health care setting. I believe that there should be an identification of provider education programs that increase use of appropriate screening, counseling and evidence-based genetic tests. By increasing the effectiveness of genomic testing, it will help dissolve the negative association and further increase the proportion of people who are willing to receive genetic…
This paper explores the scientific and ethical considerations of DNA testing in prenatal testing (PT).Taking into consideration non-invasive and invasive sampling and the ethical issues DNA testing raises. Cell-free fetal DNA (CffDNA) in prenatal screening which considers being a recent non-invasive technique. This non-invasive diagnostic test believes to be much safer and can be performed in early pregnancy easily comparing to invasive diagnostic testing. However, CffDNA has flows such as confidentiality, informed consent, and counseling.…
As research continues to uncover new disease-causing mutations, the prospect of stopping the transmission of heritable diseases increases. With the use of modern technology, expecting parents can now be prescreened in order to determine their carrier status for certain diseases. Parents who choose to use in vitro fertilization are able to choose embryos that are free of disease due to preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Additionally, parents can be provided with information on their unborn child with the use of prenatal genetic testing. Some individuals view modern genetic technology as eugenic; however, this biggest difference between eugenics now and eugenics during the 1900s is consent. Today individuals pursue genetic testing by choice and policies on ethics and consent prevent reoccurrences of the immoral endeavors within the field of…
Though there are tests and testing facilities that do the genetic tests, prenatal genetic testing is not accessible to all at-risk or concerned families expecting a baby. Government funding should be put towards prenatal genetic testing to increase accessibility to testing facilities, discover more testing forms, and give more autonomy to physicians. With these improvements, low income-families and anyone with a family history of genetic diseases can find out and prepare for any irregularities before the baby is…