Argument Against Prenatal Genetic Screening - 1845 Words

Argument Against Prenatal Genetic Screening In this essay, I will argue that prenatal screening for disabilities for the intent of actively choosing to have a child without a disability is immoral. By disability, I mean the definition provided in a medical dictionary: â€Å"A disadvantage or deficiency, especially a physical or mental impairment that prevents or restricts normal achievement†. This does not include diseases that are considered inevitably and irreversibly fatal, nor does it include birth situations that are considered detrimental to the mother. I will use the term â€Å"possible child† hereafter to avoid loaded and biased terms such as â€Å"fetus† or â€Å"baby†. My argument is this: First, when one makes a conscious decision to have a†¦show more content†¦However, the issue arises when the parent uses prenatal genetic screening for the purpose of aborting a pregnancy or terminating an embryo fertilized in vitro. Instead of usin g technology to be informed and prepare the best possible life for a possible child, the parents are choosing whether or not to allow the life of the possible child to exist. Third, prenatal genetic screening is an unreliable way to judge one’s quality of life. One reason is that it’s inaccurate, inconsistent, and incomplete. Prenatal genetic screening does not give accurate diagnoses of disabilities, but merely the probability that a possible child might have a mutated gene, which might cause a disorder. In his Second Edition Bioethics text, Lewis Vaughn says that, â€Å"†¦a positive test result (one identifying a mutation) does not guarantee the development of a genetic disorder†. And for more complicated disabilities that are caused by several mutated genes combined with environmental factors, the chances of an accurate test result are even far slimmer. Another reason is that an accurate and positive test result does not necessarily adversely affect th e possible child’s quality of life. If a child is born deaf, he is living a life that he has been accustomed to since birth and is not aware of another way of life. His quality of life, to his own awareness and standard, is not affected like itShow MoreRelatedThe Right to Choose1801 Words   |  7 PagesThe Right to Choose Introduction Developments in genetics have advanced throughout the past couple of decades. For relatively the first time in the history of mankind, human beings have the ability to understand what genetic factors are responsible for certain conditions such as hair color, eye color, as well as diseases such as Downs Syndrome. With this knowledge, however, comes a sense of responsibility to apply such science in the best way possible so that humanity will benefit. Yet any particularRead MoreEffects Of Prenatal Genetic Testing For Autism806 Words   |  4 Pagespreviously thought. The future of understanding the pathophysiology and etiology of ASD is promising. Increased research and testing efforts have improved. There has been remarkable progress towards genetics, neurobiology, and treatments and early interventions. THESIS ARGUMENT (4-6 PAGES) Prenatal genetic testing for autism should not be mandatory. I must admit my own bias as I do not have children but I do have two brothers-in-law who were diagnosed as children with ADS. I understand and have seenRead MorePrenatal Genetic Testing Should Be Allowed1569 Words   |  7 Pagesinnovative genetic testing and manipulation. Prenatal genetic testing is becoming more readily available to expectant parents, many who currently appreciate the option of amniocentesis, a procedure performed in the second trimester to test for Down syndrome, among other prenatal tests (Lippman 383). 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Once informed of a fetus’ potential defects, the parents can then decide to either carry the fetus to full term or terminate the pregnancyR ead MoreEthics at the Beginning of Life: Prenatal Genetic Testing3950 Words   |  16 PagesEthics at the Beginning of Life: Prenatal Genetic Testing Lauren Delucca Linda Field Despain Cynthia Ventura-Lippert Submitted to Dr. Mark Jumper in partial fulfillment of HCE430, Health Care Ethics Regis University October 13, 2012 Prenatal Genetic Testing Prenatal testing and genetic testing developed hand in hand. Many genes, the basic unit of heredity, are now known through the human genome project (Pence, 2011, pp. 273-274). Genetic testing can identify the existenceRead MoreGenetic Testing or Genetic Screening1514 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic testing, also known as screening, is a rapidly advancing new scientific field that can potentially revolutionize not only the world of medicine, but many aspects of our lives. Genetic screening is the sequencing of human DNA in order to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. As genetic screening becomes more advanced and easily accessible, it presents society with difficult questions that must be asked about the boundaries of science and to whatRead MoreThe Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening and Testing: Arguments For and Against1919 Words   |  8 Pagesin technology and medicine, genetic screening and testing is becoming more commonplac e in our society. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) defines genetic screening as â€Å"a search in a population for persons possessing certain genotypes that (1) are already associated with disease or predispose to disease, (2) may lead to disease in their descendants, or (3) produce other variations not known to be associated with disease† (NHGRI, 2005). The term genetic testing is similar, but differsRead MoreGenetic Carrier Screening3033 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction Genetic screening is a current medical practice in which a parent may proceed with testing for specific genetic and chromosomal disorders which may affect offspring during after parturition. If tests are performed, one gains knowledge of any high risk genetic or abnormalities which may be present and carry a high risk of altering an individuals health. Genetics disorders are formed by a disease which is inherited genetically from parent to offspring. The genetic disorder resultsRead MoreThe Pregnancy Of A Foetus Diagnosed With Down Syndrome1610 Words   |  7 PagesSyndrome, your perspectives and concerns may change significantly. Known as a genetic disorder that is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 650- 1000 live births (Bittles Glasson, 2004), receiving a positive diagnosis of Down Syndrome can be very overwhelming for the parents. Prenatal diagnosis and screening are controversial when we refer to ethical considerations, but the benefits that they provide are undeniable. Prenatal tests do not only facilitate choices through information provision, but also