...PRENATAL GENETIC TESTING Running Head: PRENATAL GENETIC TESTING Prenatal Genetic Testing and The Ethical Controversies SBI3U 15 April 2015 1 PRENATAL GENETIC TESTING 2 Prenatal Genetic Testing and The Ethical Controversies Introduction Every introduction should start with a shocking fact about the topic, generally to piqué the interest of the reader. The problem is, surrounding the topic of prenatal genetic testing, there isn’t anything that is particularly shocking or interesting anymore. Anything that has a potential to injure a ‘helpless’ fetus, the public has already been informed of and the information has already been extremely exaggerated. The myth of prenatal genetic testing being dangerous has been greatly over told, and is a rather old notion according to a great number of medical journals such as: United States National Library (Gates, 2009), UConn (Pennington, 2011), and many others listed in the references page. Prenatal genetic testing is the process of testing for potential genetic disorders or defects. Doctors and geneticist can now test for over 4000 diseases that are caused or influenced by a fetus’ genetic makeup. The tests can be invasive or noninvasive, and the risks associated with both categories of tests have been greatly reduced since genetic testing was first introduced to modern medicine. Although the ...
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...central concepts are informed by moral opinions and, as a result, contested on ethical grounds. Taking this intergration of conceptual and ethical issues seriously from a research point of view requires that they are very strongly interconnected, i.e. mere studies of the way in which concepts are in fact informed by moral opinions and social values is not siffucient. Outright normative analyses of underlying ethical views need to underpin suggestions with regard to the way in which central concepts should be employed in policy contexts. This has been recognised in research on the basic ethical issue of what should be seen as the basic determinant of the quality of life or well-being (Brülde 1998, 2006), as well as research on applied ethics of relevance for disability (Brülde 2003; Munthe 1996, 1999; Juth 2005; Juth & Munthe 2006), and concepts such as happiness, health, illness, and mental disorder (Brülde 2000, 2006a, 2006b). Research on several of the conceptual issues has demonstrated how they are strongly connected to ethical problems related to health care policies and public health practices, in particular issues about what are the appropriate goals of medicine as a whole, or parts thereof, e.g. the goals of palliative care, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, or treatments of chronic illnesses. Normative theories about appropriate goals are necessary to come up with plausible grounds for diagnostic categories, outcome measures and policy guidelines in different areas...
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...Genetic testing is a scientific process in which an individual’s DNA can be screened for mutations or variations that may cause certain diseases or dysfunctions. It is my opinion that standard genetic testing for disease or the predisposition to disease is purely beneficial. Having clear answers as to whether or not a person may carry a higher risk for some diseases may in fact save their life, or the lives of their current or future children. However, over the years of development of the science, more and more controversial types of testing have developed. In this paper, the science of genetic testing will be introduced by going through a brief history, the different types of genetic testing available, as well as the controversies that surround them. History Genetic testing had a very positive and productive start. The first usage of Genetic Testing occurred over half a century ago, beginning with the testing of infants for PKU, or Phenylketonuria, “an inborn error of metabolism in which an amino acid buildup in the blood causes mental retardation.” (Lewis) To test infants, a drop of blood was taken from their heel while at the hospital after birth. If a child was found positive for PKU, dietary treatment was used to prevent loss of brain function. Testing was reliable and results were accurate. The disease being tested for was easily treatable, and every child that came through was tested without a problem. (Lewis) In the 1970’s, doctors began the process of testing...
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...Abstract Advances in human genetic testing have led to ground-breaking discoveries. However, the field is still in its infancy leading to new discoveries daily. This paper will identify and examine the roles of the multi-disciplinary team to deal with a family’s diagnosis of Tay Sach’s disease in their unborn child. It will also include a teaching plan designed for this family and examine the ethical implications of the availability of personal genetic information. There is also a Reflection piece dealing with how I would feel about the family’s decision ad how I would advocate for their decision. It will also examine the ethical and legal considerations of continuing a pregnancy after a diagnosis of Tay Sach’s. Genetics Case Study Family Ethics and Beliefs guide the Trosack family in the initial decision making process but they will need education and support in order to effectively care for their child and cope with the diagnosis of Tay Sach’s. Many resources are needed to properly care for this family and an interdisciplinary team is required to ensure that as many needs can be met as possible. Interdisciplinary Team Members: 1. Case Manager: The Case Manager is essential to planning and coordinating other disciplines to assist the Trosack family. The Case Manager can provide information on care during pregnancy, and also care and resources available in the community after discharge home. The Case Manager can assist in finding appropriate physicians for the child and...
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...this testing outweigh any reservations. Genetic testing are examinations of blood and other tissues of the body that doctors in the medical field prepare to test for possible defects of the body. These DNA based tests generally involves direct examination of the DNA molecule itself and are very sophisticated techniques of testing genetic disorders in the bodies of human beings. Prenatal genetic testing with the procedure of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD is a technique whereby testing is performed of an approximate three-day-old embryo to confirm that it does not carry a particular disease or diseases (Naik). The test predicts, with variable confidence, what the possible medical problems will be in the future. Then the doctor implants this embryo, which is free of that syndrome, in the mother's womb. It appears to be relatively easy to check the DNA and eliminate future diseases that are linked to a single malfunctioning gene such as cystic fibrosis or autism. In the 1990s, this type of prenatal genetic testing, PGD, was first introduced with vast numbers of parents utilizing this screening to avoid the potential hereditary passing of many deadly disorders to their children (Naik). In the very near future parents will be able to pick or select the...
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...were screened positive and the remaining 356 were screened negative. 24 of those that screened positive had Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) performed. CVS is an invasive prenatal test that takes a sample of the chorionic villi to asses for chromosomal defects4. Therefore,...
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...The Implications of Prenatal Testing for Disabilities [1] Advancements in technology are creating rapid growth in genetic research including new ways of offering prenatal testing and genetic selection. Currently, prospective parents can choose to test for the sex of the fetus before choosing to have the child or abort the pregnancy. It is possible that technology could be used to identify medical traits that could lead to avoiding giving birth to a disabled child. When considering the best way to test for disabilities prior to the birth of a child we can consider three options: (a) testing for all disabilities should be routine, (b) testing should be done upon request, after prospective parents have been encouraged to meet with a genetic counselor to be educated about...
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...Going to get tested for a genetic disorder? That’s so yesterday; thanks to modern scientific knowledge, direct to consumer (DTC) tests make going to a medical professional unnecessary for genetic testing. Medical professionals should not be required for all genetic testing, since the requirement of such professionals raises questions of ethics regarding abortion and eugenics, issues which restrict the rights of parents to make decisions that apply to themselves and/or their offspring. However, regulations on DTC genetic testing should be put into place to eliminate the consequences which result from the lack of knowledge regarding genetic disorders and testing held by patients. One disease capable of detection using genetic testing, Tay-Sachs...
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...they are unable to afford to pay for the services or they do not have insurance. This clinic will offer the basic services to women at a very low charge or none at all. The services that will be free of charge are mammograms, pregnancy tests, cancer screenings, and STD testing. In the event that any of these tests are positive, they would then be referred to a specialist for the specific reason. For example, should a woman test positive for pregnancy, the clinic would help her find an obstetrician and help her apply for Medicaid. Under Texas requirements, if you are a pregnant teen or woman, you could apply and receive Medicaid as long as the other requirements are met. The same would apply to those who test positive for any other screenings. Other services to be included at the clinic are annual exams and contraceptive options. There are several reasons why this clinic would be considered special and different. While I do not know exactly how many clinics are like this in Texas, I do know have any clinics like this here in El Paso, TX. In doing research, I was able to find a clinic similar but only offered free pregnancy tests. Sierra Providence Teen Health Resource Center offers free pregnancy tests and prenatal education to teens who think they might be...
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...Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) are disabilities that affect social and communication skills, and cause behavioural changes (CDC, 2012). There are three types of ASD’s; Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Autistic disorder (autism). Autistic disorder will be the focus of this study (CDC, 2012). Children develop autism before the age of three years and struggle with it throughout their lives (CDC, 2012). “Autism creates many challenges in the child’s life and it negatively impacts; intellectual disabilities, language delays, social and communication difficulties and unexpected behaviour and interests” (CDC, 2012). Autism does not segregate between racial and ethnic groups, nor does it relate to socioeconomic status; however it has been proven to occur more often in males than in females (CDC, 2012). Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the number of autistic diagnoses (CDC, 2012). Evidence has shown that the development of autism occurs during the pregnancy phase (Schmidt, 2011); which leads this study to analyze the association between intake of iron, and zinc during pregnancy and preventing autism in the offspring. Specific Aims The proposed study will be focused on whether women who take iron and zinc supplements during the three trimesters of the pregnancy will reduce the risk of autism in their offspring. The goal of this study is to develop an association between vitamin exposures and the outcome of prevented...
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...Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) are disabilities that affect social and communication skills, and cause behavioural changes (CDC, 2012). There are three types of ASD’s; Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Autistic disorder (autism). Autistic disorder will be the focus of this study (CDC, 2012). Children develop autism before the age of three years and struggle with it throughout their lives (CDC, 2012). “Autism creates many challenges in the child’s life and it negatively impacts; intellectual disabilities, language delays, social and communication difficulties and unexpected behaviour and interests” (CDC, 2012). Autism does not segregate between racial and ethnic groups, nor does it relate to socioeconomic status; however it has been proven to occur more often in males than in females (CDC, 2012). Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the number of autistic diagnoses (CDC, 2012). Evidence has shown that the development of autism occurs during the pregnancy phase (Schmidt, 2011); which leads this study to analyze the association between intake of iron, and zinc during pregnancy and preventing autism in the offspring. Specific Aims The proposed study will be focused on whether women who take iron and zinc supplements during the three trimesters of the pregnancy will reduce the risk of autism in their offspring. The goal of this study is to develop an association between vitamin exposures and the outcome of prevented...
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...individuals, families, and society. The paper covers the screening and treatment for diabetes and what methods are used to prevent it development. The paper also contains information regarding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and its benefits for individuals and families. The use stems cells and its advantages and disadvantages are also mentioned. Analyze the benefits and limitations of genetic and reproductive sciences for individuals, families, and society. The benefit of genetic science for individuals is that it can determine if the person has a possible genetic disorder and give them a better chance at preventing the disorder from becoming active, monitor the disorder, or treat the disorder. For example, diabetes is a genetic disorder that can be discovered through genetic testing. Lifestyle changes such as exercising and lowering their body mass index (BMI) can prevent someone for developing diabetes, and the testing can monitor diabetes if a person develops it. Diabetes can also be treated by the use of insulin and dieting if monitored correctly. The limitation of genetic science for individuals is the emotional outcome of the test results. Some people may get upset and begin to feel guilty, depressed, or even become anxious once they receive their results (Cho, et al., 2012). The benefits of genetic science for families are that testing can help families make decisions regarding having a child. Screening of infants can determine whether or not the child has...
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...GENETIC COUNSELING IN NURSING AND ETHICS Hyang Ko Azusa Pacific University Abstract The current development of genetic information and technique leaves us assignments. It is included ethical issues, roles of nurses, and the responsibilities in healthcare professionals. In order to understand nurses’ role and responsibilities and to provide genetic counseling, two research article with text books were reviewed. There were conflicts within ethical principles and nurses’ obligation. Each principle is important but one principle is superior to others when healthcare professionals make a decision in a certain context. It is necessary that genetic counseling is provided to patients and their family when healthcare professionals deal with genetic information. The two research articles empathized that experienced nurses are excellent candidates in genetic counseling within healthcare professionals by being educated, trained about genetic information. Genetic Counseling in Nursing and Ethics Definitions of Genetics and Genetic Counseling Officially, the terms of Genetics and genetic counseling is defined by Wekipidia as below: Genetics, a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics). Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting...
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...Tay-Sachs Disease Foreword: Before beginning to read this review of the case study, please note that current events of today pertain more to preconception screening for genetic anomalies and genetic studies. Today due to preconception genetic screening many parents opt to terminate a fetus with fatal or painful anomalies; therefore a large portion of the research for parents who are expecting a child with Tay Sachs Disease was noted to be during an approximate 30 year span from the mid-1950’s to the early-mid 1980’s, thus older citings will be noted. “Tay-Sachs parents say that their child dies three times—when the disease is diagnosed, when the child enters the hospital, and the final time.” (Atwater, 1964) “How do you parent without a net, without a future, knowing that you will lose your child, bit by torturous bit?” (Rapp, 2011) Will it be a boy or a girl? What color will the eyes, the hair be? Whose smile will the baby have? These are just a few of the many questions that begin when parents find out they have conceived a child, and most of the time the questions only grow as the pregnancy progresses too; what will they want to be when they grow up? Who will they look like? Will they be strong, graceful, independent, or determined? Should we look at preschools and colleges now? It may not seem to occur very often that parents will say to themselves; we never thought about how we might parent a child without a future. Now instead of questions that may focus on the...
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...Group Work – final Ethics in various group counseling populations Question 1: Ethics Informed consent covers those aspects of the therapeutic relationship which the client is entitled to have explained to them before agreeing to participate. This may apply to initiating therapy or continuing it. Consent should be obtained verbally and documented in writing to protect all parties involved (A.2.a). Discussion of issues raised at this time helps build rapport and reassures the client about what to expect in the counseling relationship. Issues discussed at the initial interview help to collaboratively determine whether the therapist/group is a good fit (A.2.a). This would be part of the screening process when applied to group work. Counseling should not proceed until the client has affirmed that they understand their rights and responsibilities as well as those of the therapist. (a.2.a) Such consent is generally given by the client, but may be from a parent or caregiver when the client is unable to do so. The ACA Code further alerts us to the need for balance between clients’right to make choices, their capacity to do so, and parental or familial rights and responsibilities to look out for the client’s best interests. (a.2.d) Clients should be included in decisions regarding their treatment insofar as feasible and appropriate. Disclosures included when obtaining informed consent include things that inform the therapist’s approach to counseling and/or the group’s norms: theoretical...
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