Application of ethical principles in reation to genetics and genetic counselling

The Ethics of Genetics

The ethical guidelines that are applied to all areas of medicine are universal , and happen to be the same for medical genetics . These guidelines concern autonomy , justice , beneficence , and nonmaleficence Autonomy refers to the ability of individuals to govern themselves as well as to make reasoned decisions with regards to the medical treatment they must undergo . Respect for the autonomy of human beings is a fundamental ethical principle . It involves the telling of truth to individuals so as to render them capable of making sound decisions about

their health . It also involves protecting those individuals who have little autonomy , for example , children , people with disabilities , and mental impairments , by making the correct decisions for them (Nuhfer 2001

The ethical principle of justice demands that all persons undergoing medical treatment must be treated fairly as well as equally and be given what they rightfully deserve . All medical practitioners are obligated to treat their patients with justice . What is more , all people in the medical profession are required to do good , to be kind and also to avoid harm wherever and whenever possible . Medical practitioners understand nonmaleficence to actually mean , above all do no harm ' Beneficence is the opposite of nonmaleficence , of course This very important ethical principle makes it obligatory of medical practitioners to provide benefit to those that they work for (Nuhfer

The last two ethical principles - those of beneficence and nonmaleficence - are especially important in the area of genetics Medical genetics is , after all , a field of medicine that is chiefly involved in the provision of services to people with genetic diseases in addition their families , the carriers , and high risk groups . Medical genetic services are , therefore , aimed at the

THE ETHICS OF GENETICS

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identification of people with genetic defects or a higher susceptibility than usual to develop genetic defects . After an accurate diagnosis has been made , the next steps in medical genetics involve the provision of adequate care , therapeutic measures , as well as the rehabilitation of the people that require it . Proper steps must also be taken toward the control and prevention of genetic problems . This is where genetic counseling comes into play (El-Hazmi 2003

Seeing that genetics is the science of genes , heredity , in addition to the variation of organisms , medical practitioners working with individuals that have genetic defects must be especially respectful toward their patients (Genetics 2007 . Genetic defects are very personal problems . Hence , the doctors are required to show kindness to those that are suffering from them . Besides , the doctors should seek to protect their patients with confidentiality if necessary . This is because the disclosure of the fact that a person is suffering from genetic defects may become a cause of embarrassment for the patient Thus , the medical practitioners are required to avoid harm to their patients through strict confidentiality . What is more , medical practitioners must not look down upon those who are suffering from genetic defects . Rather , they must deal fairly and equally with all of their patients...