Ethics of Prenatal Genetic Testing

On Prenatal Genetic Testing : Ethical and Moral Issues

Prenatal genetic testing involves the analysis of DNA , RNA and chromosomes to be able to identify if there is a predisposition towards a genetic dis , ascertain the possibility of carrying disease , and to project early on how best to take care of the child given these mitigating health circumstances . While it does not identify the abnormality with certainty , it does give indicators on whether further medical assessment is necessary . It is normally carried out through amniocentesis or CVS and the subsequent laboratory analysis of

the sample gathered (Hudson , 2004 . This contends that undergoing prenatal genetic testing in itself does not carry with it moral undertones . It is the decision of the parents about what to do with the outcomes of the procedure that carries moral weight . In effect , parents must use this procedure as a preparation for taking better care of a child who has a genetic abnormality , and not to abort the fetus (Hudson 2004

There are several reasons which parents cite to justify their desire to undergo the procedure . These include the age of the mother , having a child who has a genetic disease , a chromosomal abnormality in either parent , or simply enhanced risk . These are all valid reasons for wanting to avail of prenatal genetic testing . Parents have every right to know about the condition of their unborn child - however , it is the purpose for which they are undergoing the procedure that makes all the difference . Thus , the counseling which follows the procedure is not prescriptive in nature . The decision on what to do with the outcomes of the tests is solely up to the parents ' moral discretion . While there is an implicit belief that the action steps carried out after prenatal genetic testing are left to the decision of parents , they may still feel pressure to heed what society perceives is socially acceptable , or even what their medical doctor recommends (Hudson , 2004

There are some considerations that must be made with the advancement in this area . Progress along this line may pressure would-be parents that it is a `responsible ' thing to do to be able to know everything about the genetics of their child . Moreover , while others perceive that genetic testing has tones of ostracism for children with genetic abnormalities , it may be seen from an opposite light . The availability of more technology that is able to detect increasing numbers of genetic abnormalities may make society more accepting of these conditions and thus be able to draft health strategies for parents to accord them better care . Health care providers who have the responsibility of orienting parents on the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure have the moral obligation to make themselves literate at this task Because of the sensitivity inherent in the issue , they should be able to adequately educate parents so that they do not feel that it is compulsory . In effect , as our initial thesis goes , the decision to undergo prenatal genetic testing is neither...