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Ethics and Genetics

Ethics and Genetics. Ethics and Genetics. Some issues: Who should be tested/screened? Should there be mandatory screening? What should be done with the information gained from the screening? Who should have access to the information?

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Ethics and Genetics

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  1. Ethics and Genetics

  2. Ethics and Genetics • Some issues: • Who should be tested/screened? • Should there be mandatory screening? • What should be done with the information gained from the screening? • Who should have access to the information? • Other family members? Do geneticists have a duty to warn other family members of family genetic issues? • Should genetic findings be part of a person's medical record?

  3. Ethics and Genetics • Who should have access to the information? (cont.) • Should results of genetic testing be made available to spouses/partners, etc.? • Should results be made available to employers? insurance companies? the government?

  4. Ethics and Genetics • Genetics raises the issue of self-knowledge: do I have an obligation to myself? My character traits and tendencies, moral strengths and weaknesses? • Self know-ledge has been considered to be one of mankind's highest obligations • Do I have an obligation to know myself genetically? the traits I might express or the diseases that I might have?

  5. Ethics and Genetics • Genetics raises the issue of what counts as responsible parenthood: • Should someone who has a substantial chance of passing on a serious problem refrain from having children? • What counts as substantial and serious? Huntington's? • Is there a moral obligation to have children who are as healthy as possible? • Are there some conditions which should not be passed on at all? e.g. Lesch-Nyhan's? • Are there any genetic issues which are grounds for abortion if detected in utero?

  6. Ethics and Genetics • Genetics "tests": • The doctor/patient relationship • Privacy/confidentiality • Quality of life issues • Abortion issues • Parenthood/reproductive issues

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