Ethical & Social Issues of Genetic Screening (Edexcel International A Level Biology): Revision Note

Ethical & Social Issues of Genetic Screening

• Some circumstances, e.g. in a pregnancy where there is a family history of a genetic disorder, may require individuals to determine if they have a particular allele present in their genome; this can be determined by genetic screening

• As genetic screening can leave future parents with many questions, genetic counsellors are available to help

  • Counsellors can be seen before screening has occurred; they may discuss the following with the prospective parents

    • The probability of the couple having a child with a genetic disorder

    • Termination of the pregnancy

    • Therapeutic treatments possible for the child

    • Financial implications of having the child

    • Effect on existing siblings

    • Ethical issues

  • After screening the counsellors will read the results and explain them to the future parents

• Each use of genetic screening brings potential concerns that should be considered; these concerns will differ depending on someone's religious, moral, and social position, e.g.

  • Belief that God is in control may mean that a pregnancy will be continued no matter what genetic screening might show

  • Belief that embryos are potential human beings from conception would mean that the discarding of embryos after embryo screening or the abortion of a foetus at any stage would be considered impossible

  • Belief that abortion is only acceptable up to a certain stage of pregnancy may mean that screening techniques that are carried out later in pregnancy can't lead to termination

  • Some may feel that it is unethical to bring a child into the world who will struggle with health issues, or who they will be unable to care for properly; this may mean that abortion is considered to be the most ethical option

  • Processes that involve screening embryos could allow for embryos to be selected on the basis of factors other than genetic health, e.g. sex or intelligence; many are concerned about the potential future of 'designer babies'

  • Some cultures may have different traditions around genetic disorders, e.g. with abortion considered to be more acceptable by some cultures than others

  • Positive screening results for non life-threatening conditions, e.g. Down syndrome, can lead to the abortion of foetuses that could have gone on to live full and happy lives; some feel that such conditions are being eradicated from society

  • An embryo or unborn baby has no ability to give consent or make decisions about its future; some believe that they are deserving of full human rights while others do not