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To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question

A Bioethical Project Presented by: Alla Natalie Orna IB Chemistry 4 June 2006. To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question. Huntington's Disease. Huntington's disease is a genetic disease caused by a dominant gene.

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To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question

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  1. A Bioethical Project Presented by: Alla Natalie Orna IB Chemistry 4 June 2006 To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question

  2. Huntington's Disease • Huntington's disease is a genetic disease caused by a dominant gene. • It is a degenerative brain disorder that creates physical and mental disabilities. • People usually start exhibiting symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. • It usually brings on personality changes and depression. • There is a 50% chance of a parent passing the disease onto their child.

  3. Huntington's Disease Part 2 • The gene that codes for Huntington's disease is called IT15, or Huntingtin. • Death usually occurs 15-20 years after symptoms are first noticed.

  4. The Issue at Hand... • Priya's Mother just died from Huntington's disease. • Huntington's disease is a genetic disease which is a dominant gene. • There is a test for Huntington's disease. • Should Priya get tested?

  5. Two Sides to Every Question • Two things that one must consider before making the decision are the financial concerns and moral considerations.

  6. Financial Concerns • How much do these tests cost? how much would you pay? • Do Insurance Companies pay for the test? Should they? • Who pays for the medical bills? Who should? • Who should raise the child once the parent dies?

  7. Moral Concerns • If you know that you have HD, should you tell your fiance? • Would this affect your decision to have children? • If you have children, and find out that you have HD, should you test your children? Would you do a pre-natal test? • Should you tell your siblings so that they can be tested?

  8. In Conclusion... • Before you make the decision to test yourself for HD, consider: • Moral responsibilities: whom do you tell? • Financial responsibilities: If you tell your insurance company (and you have to) your rates are going to be much higher (or you won't get insurance). • Reactions of others: how would you feel if others treated you differently knowing that you would die in a few years?

  9. Express Yourself! • Would you take the Huntington's Disease test if a parent had the disease?

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