Ethical Issues In Predictive Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is defined as examining ones DNA. This test can reveal changes or anomalies that may cause illness or disease; this is according to the Mayo Clinic. Genetic testing has been around for quite some time although it’s only been approved for the testing of certain diseases. There are three forms of genetic testing, carrier, diagnostic and genetic testing. According to the Journal of Medical Ethics, diagnostic testing is looking into whether there’s a disease in the body/embryo and how far the disease has progressed. This diagnostic process is usually done in embryos and babies. The way we know about a certain gene or trait that would adversely affect the baby is by using the carrier test. There’s also predictive

testing, which is used to identify any chromosome with a certain genetic defect. This chromosome will tell doctors if any diseases can potentially develop or onset later in life, giving patients a better understanding of the issues that may arise later. Genetic testing has lots of moral and ethical controversies, there will be three different views discussed on this paper, the utilitarian perspective, libertarian perspective and the justice principle.
The latest issue of “Ethical Issues in Predictive Genetic testing” states that, “ the idea that genetic testing is different from testing for other disorders is termed “genetic exceptionalism”.

Genetic information is private and is directly related to the individual’s identity”. Genetic testing can be crucial in decisions taken by an individual especially if the test was accurate about any disease, directly affecting any family members including brother, sister or even extended family. For example, when a person gets a genetic test, the very first test will be a chromosomal test. This test will look at he structure of the chromosomes, it will also look at the length, the way they are arranged within the nucleus and finally if it is is in it’s proper location. A chromosomal test would be used to determine if a newborn has Down syndrome, since an extra chromosome is present, this test would identify the

disease.
The journal of Medical Ethics/ Genetic testing denotes that, once a patient gets an answer from any genetic test, there should be a professional to help the patient through the process of acceptance and understanding on the particular disease. More often than not, doctors are the ones who counsel patients on genetic testing. However, we are seeing more psychologists and social workers taking on this job. There has been lots of moral and ethical issues with genetic testing, ranging from should the family of the patient know about the test to should genetic testing be performed at all. The answer to all of these questions is almost non-existent, it all lies with the patient, and it’s all a matter of morals and ethics of each individual patient.
There are a few ways of dealing with all moral and ethical issues of genetic testing.

First, “ Utilitarians believe moral decisions should be decided by calculating a burden/benefit ratio from a societal viewpoint. This perspective promotes the good of society over that of individual”(Fulda, Lykens). If a patient gets genetically tested, the utilitarian perspective says that we should take into account the multiple people involved with the patient, thus letting them know about the results of the test. When family is told about certain risks that have been identified through genetic testing, there are many aspects that could be mitigated better. The Journal of Medical Ethics also expresses that when family members are told about genetic testing and how they are affected, the intensity of pain is minimized through medical intervention. Utilitarian view also backs up the idea that when individuals are tested, it gives them a way to decide and make decisions on issues that affects their family. It also can help two people on bringing a child to the world that could potentially ruin them in a financial sense since money would need to be allocated for the child’s care. This view allows for more testing on chronic diseases and potentially fatal

conditions.
Another view or principle within the realm of genetic testing is called the justice principle and it suggests that, “ each person has the right to receive basic social goods such as medical treatment. If a person does not know he or she is predisposed to a genetic disorder he or she does not have the information necessary to seek available treatments” (Fulda, Lykens). The doctor is always looking for the best way to help patients and inform them of various procedures or treatments available. The physician is at the center of this debate simply because they have the ultimate power of informing the patient and family of the patient of any disease that could harm them. However, this is where medical ethics comes into play. If the doctor does not relay the information to the patient’s family he would be in direct violation of the first cardinal rule for medical doctors, “do no harm”.