Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing

Genetic factors contribute to risk for disease. Information clarifying risk in an individual and his/her family members can be identified through clinical screening and genetic testing. In some circumstances, this information can be used in clinical decisions about surveillance and prevention or tre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of midwifery & women's health 2005-05, Vol.50 (3), p.234-240
Main Authors: Lea, Dale Halsey, Williams, Janet, Donahue, M. Patricia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude to Health
autonomy
ethics
Female
Genetic Services - ethics
genetic testing
Humans
justice
Midwifery - ethics
nurse-midwife
Nursing
Pregnancy
privacy
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Summary:Genetic factors contribute to risk for disease. Information clarifying risk in an individual and his/her family members can be identified through clinical screening and genetic testing. In some circumstances, this information can be used in clinical decisions about surveillance and prevention or treatment of disease. However, use of this information is not always a straightforward process. Application of knowledge about risk of genetic disease in provision of primary health care for women requires understanding of new genetic discoveries as well as the ability to participate in resolution of ethical dilemmas that may result when genetic screening and testing are considered. These dilemmas arise not only from the current state of knowledge about genetic risk factors and utility of genetic tests but also result from conflicts that can arise when the needs of the client are not in unison with needs of others within the family or society. Ethical theories and principles provide a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas in maternal screening for genetic conditions during a pregnancy, carrier testing prior to or during a pregnancy, clinical genetic testing, and newborn metabolic screening.
ISSN:1526-9523
1542-2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jmwh.2004.12.016