Is Genetic Testing Right Or Wrong Essay

Genetic testing has been a very controversial topic. While some people believe that genetic testing is completely right in any situation, others believe that it is completely wrong in any situation. However, both sides prove valid points of why genetic testing is both right and wrong. Genetic testing can be very good when it is being used for helpful reasons. However, genetic testing can also be very bad when it is used for the wrong reasons. Genetic testing is okay to do as long as it is being done for the right reasons and following good moral guidelines.
When it comes to genetic diseases and conditions, testing can be very helpful and serve a good purpose. People with diseases that are inheritable to their children are encouraged to be tested. For example, in the article about Jewish testing, it says

“unless you have a screening you can have an affected kid” (Goldschmidt). If you hold risk for giving your child a disease or condition, it is good to be screened to ensure that the child will not have the condition. If the results of the test say that your child has a high chance of getting the condition, the parent will have time to prepare for the child with special needs.
Not only can genetic testing notify the person if they have a genetic condition, but the results can be used to help treat it. Specifically in newborns, genetic testing can help with diseases involving heredity. In the USCCB article, it says “to the extent that genetic testing sets the stage for a cure or effective therapy, it is a blessing” (USCCB). This quote explains how if genetic testing can help to find a cure or treatment for these harmful diseases, it is something that we need to use to our advantage. Finding a cure for these conditions could save millions of newborn lives all over the world.
Genetic testing can help to find a cure for these conditions, but some people have found that it can be used for the wrong reasons.

If two parents get tested and find out that their child could have the disease, they could choose to get an abortion, which would be abusing the benefits of genetic testing. In the Jewish testing article it says “or they may choose to end the pregnancy” (Goldschmidt). In this case, taking the life of an unborn child due to genetic testing is an example of how genetic testing can be morally unsound. Also, if a cure is found for genetic testing, the treatments can be very harsh. In the Patients in Limbo article is says “every month for the first two years of her life” (Marcus). Although a cure was found, this child had to undergo extreme treatment in order to have the chance of being cured for the condition. As just a young child, depending on the type of treatment it is, this can be too extreme for such a young patient and can deteriorate the young ones body. In this situation, although genetic testing led to results, it also led to things that can cause pain and suffering, which is not what genetic testing should be used to

do.
Genetic testing is very helpful and beneficial in certain practices. However, there are times when genetic testing can be abused and used for the wrong reasons. Although bad can come from this testing, more good can come from it. People all over the world are being cured of their own diseases, and forewarned about the life that their children will have to live. Families can prepare and practice what life will be like with a newborn that has a genetic disease. In other words, as long as genetic testing is not misused to lead to things that are not morally correct, it is good and can help millions of people who can, and will suffer if they are not genetically tested.