Genetic Testing Ethics

Indeed, Genetic information play a major role in medicine as an important determinant of a factor of diseases. Certainly, the use of clinical screening and genetic testing in Individuals and family members allow them to obtain data about important Genetic facts that could contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, to use this sensitive information require the clinicians and healthcare professionals knowledge about risks and ethical implication of genetic diseases. “Ethical theories and principles provide a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas in maternal screening for genetic conditions” (Lea, Williams, & Donahue 2005, page. 234).
Ethical theories such as Utilitarianism defines ethic as moral action and consequences
235). Autonomy is done with the purposes to discuss with patients the risks, benefits and the limitations of a particular genetic test. One of the most important fact to consider during genetic testing is that the activity must be voluntary, and the information should be clear to participants. Privacy and confidentiality refer to issues and concerns created by the disclosure of sensitive information and are ruled by HIPAA regulations. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence use two principles to do good and not harm, frequently used in research. Justice denoted that people must have access to genetic services despite their socioeconomic status, race, geographic location. Definitely, this is a weak ethical principle due to the absence of universal health care. Besides some genetic tests are very expensive therefore are limited to some health centers, and are not covered by insurance.
According to Lea, Williams, & Donahue (2005), Ethical dilemmas upsurge from genetic testing and some examples of them are limitations of genetic testing, false negative and false positive results, implications for early intervention, Undesired Options After Genetic Testing, and Potential Adverse Personal or Societal Consequence
Certainly, Patients have the right to know about risks and benefits of genetic testing. Besides, because confidentiality is an important aspect to discuss, the information must be clear and concise. Patients and participants must be aware of the information that is provided to external sources and healthcare institutions and how this information could affect directly or indirectly the life of an