Question

1. Describe three genetic tests available to parents. Why would parents choose to complete these genetic tests?
2. What ethical dilemmas might arise in association with genetic testing? Consider the three genetic tests that you discussed in question 1. Would they all have the same ethical implications? Why or why not?
3. Discuss how your religious worldview might influence your reproductive choices and/or a decision to conduct genetic testing during pregnancy.

Answer 1

Genetic tests helps us in giving information about a persons chromosome and genes. This can help to know whether the parents or the child is likely to have any certain medical condition.
Three genetic test:

a) New born screening - used just after the birth of a infant, to identify if there is any genetic disorder, in order to give proper treatment early in life.

b) Carrier testing - to check if the parent is carrier. They are also used if parents have a family history of a genetic condition or if they belong to ethnic groups who more prone to some genetic conditions. This will help the parents to know the risk of having a child with genetic disorder.

c) Prenatal testing - before birth itself can detect genetic changes in foetus chromosome and genes. This is done during pregnancy period (as early as possible) to make a decision about pregnancy if there increased risk of foetus having disorder.

Ethical dilemma (for 3 genetic testing)- Most of the parents get concerned that the hospital authority may use the collected samples (for genetic testing) from the infant for research purpose without the knowledge of their parents. False positive result cause the parent to worry about their child. As a result of all these some of the parents opt out of genetic testing.

At the end of the day religious worldview will not change the decision of a parent about their child. They will know the risk involved while child planning. The result obtained through genetic testing will help them to prepare for the child future treatment. They will have a more understanding about the disorder and that will be helpful for the child also.