The Ethics of Genetic Testing Essay - 3518 Words

The Ethics of Genetic Testing The Goal of the Human Genome Project is to obtain genetic mapping information and to determine the complete sequence of all human DNA by the year of 2005. The project started in 1990 and 180 million dollars are being spent on it annually. This adds up to a total of over 2 billion dollars for the 15 year budget. Of this 2 billion dollars budgeted, 5% is spent annually on the ethical, legal and social issues. This report focused on some of these issues. Before discussion of the ethical, legal and social issues can be successful, some background information is needed. For example, why is the goal of mapping the human genome important? Who is going to benefit or at least be affected by this new†¦show more content†¦In the second type of disease, the person can have regular checkups to increase the likelihood of an early diagnosis and therefore start early treatment. In both cases, the persons suffering and societys expenses can likely be reduced. Generally, early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment which in turn is likely less expensive than the development of a full-blown disease. With this said, I found a contradiction in Business Week magazine that showed the costs of screening for cystic fibrosis created more of an expense than treating the disease (Krohn, 1995). It stated that the estimated lifetime medical costs for someone with CF is around $200,000 whereas the cost of each test was more than $20 0. This calculation puts the cost of avoiding one CF birth at more than 1 million dollars. David Magnus brings up the broader issue of allocation. In an article entitled Gene Therapy and the Concept of Genetic Disease he writes: consideration of the main causes of death, including cancer, leave open the possibility that emphasis on gene therapies is not the best allocation of resources. An estimated 50% of all deaths in the U.S. in 1990 were due to preventable causes. Ethical, Social, Legal Issues: The ethical, social, and legal issues that are predicted to arise are many. Some of these issues have already begun to be studied while others have yet to be addressed. The following are broad topics with a listing ofShow MoreRelatedThe Ethics Of Genetic Testing1294 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic testing is a relatively new and rapidly emerging field. Even though this science was seen as controversial, genetic testing has been going on for conditions such as phenylketonuria and sickle cell disease for years. The increase in genetic testing has resulted in the convergence of public health, morals and ethics. Many ethics related issues arise with genetic testing, as well of fear that insurance companies will not reimburse such services. Many moral and ethical obligations appear withRead MoreEthics at the Beginning of Life: Prenatal Genetic Testing3950 Words   |  16 PagesEthics at the Beginning of Life: Prenatal Genetic Testing Lauren Delucca Linda Field Despain Cynthia Ventura-Lippert Submitted to Dr. Mark Jumper in partial fulfillment of HCE430, Health Care Ethics Regis University October 13, 2012 Prenatal Genetic Testing Prenatal testing and genetic testing developed hand in hand. Many genes, the basic unit of heredity, are now known through the human genome project (Pence, 2011, pp. 273-274). Genetic testing can identify theRead MoreEthics And The Field Of Healthcare1542 Words   |  7 PagesEthical Issues Related to Genetics in Nursing Genetic research is imperative to the field of healthcare. Genetic research enables healthcare providers to have a better understanding of many genetic diseases and the components of those diseases. This research aids in early detection, prevention, treatments, and sometimes cures. 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People grow up happy and healthy, only to be diagnosed, in their middle age, with an adult-onset disease. These diseases only become a burden as the victim gets older. Some commonly known ones are Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s disease. There is no cure or treatment for adult-onset diseases like this. Knowing that the victims have these diseases written in their DNA from the momentRead MoreThe Dna Mystique Looks Into The Power Of The Gene918 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough genetic essentialism. According to Nelkin and Lindee genetic essentialism â€Å"reduces the self to a molecular entity, equating human beings, in all their social, historical, and moral complexity, with their genesâ⠂¬  (p. 337). DNA is used as a way to define the individual’s true self and understand the evolution of a person’s identity. Nelkin and Lindee discuss the intersection of science and popular culture to shape the cultural meaning of the gene (p. 338). They lay out a timeline of genetic mappingRead MoreCracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testing1538 Words   |  7 PagesCracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testing In Gattaca, the plot focuses on the ethics, the risks, and the emotional impact of genetic testing in the nearby future. The film was released in the 90s; yet in the present, the film does not give the impression of science fiction. Today, genetic testing is prevalent in many aspects of the scientific community. This paper will describe genetic testing, its purpose, diagnostic techniques that use genetic testing, relating Huntington’s diseaseRead MoreThe Human Genome Project A Go Or No?1319 Words   |  6 Pageswill have certain genetic diseases, cancers or any health conditions that will impair the child’s life. This is possible due to the testing of the human gene. The benefits of testing the fetus are plentiful, but others argue these tests can be a hindrance to some. The pro testing side argues it improves the lives of human population, reduces disease, creates new medications and gives a better understanding of humans. The other side argues about the ethics of p racticing the testing of genes, privacyRead MorePrenatal Genetic Testing Should Be Allowed1569 Words   |  7 Pagesinnovative genetic testing and manipulation. Prenatal genetic testing is becoming more readily available to expectant parents, many who currently appreciate the option of amniocentesis, a procedure performed in the second trimester to test for Down syndrome, among other prenatal tests (Lippman 383). However, technology has advanced to the point where doctors will be able to test fetuses and embryos for potential defects, and this point of contention has led to a debate on whether prenatal genetic testing