GENETIC TESTING
Other
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.
