GENETIC
TESTING: DILEMMA DISCUSSION 2
Problem:
With the sequencing of the human genome during the last
decade, we now have the ability to “screen for” various genetic disorders.
People who are going to start a family can sit down with a genetic counselor
and be tested for diseases such as Tay Sachs and Cystic Fibrosis. We can also
have our own DNA screened for diseases like breast cancer to find out if we are
susceptible to them.
All of the early detection technology cannot help us to make
decisions as to what to do with this information. If you find that you and your
partner have a 25% chance of making a baby with Tay Sachs, do you proceed with
pregnancy? Do you take the risk? How much risk is too much? Would your desire
to know be different for a disease that could potentially be cured, such as
breast cancer, versus one that is always fatal, like Huntington’s Disease?
In your dilemma discussion, you should discuss what type of
testing, if any, you would seek out, and how you would make decisions based on
the results of any testing you had done. Use the resources below to educate
yourself on genetic testing, including what it can and cannot offer individuals
and couples.
Resources:
Video: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/cracking-the-code-of-life.html
[Cracking the Code of Life]
·
Chapter 2: Tay Sachs Disease (Hayden &
Cameron)
·
Chapter 6: Cystic Fibrosis (Baby Riley)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/genetic-testing/MY00370
http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/index.htm
http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/ethics-of-genetic-testing-medical-insurance-and-651
http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v9n2/outstrips.html
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-17-genetic-testing_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/geneticcounseling.html
NEED IT BY WED Oct 23, 2013.
