Genetic Testing and Its Social Implications
Genetic Testing and Its Social ImplicationsProbably, applied genetics' most impacts on society are as a result of genetic tests. In general, genetic tests seek to detect some feature of a person's genetic constitution. This feature can be a disease causing mutation or a marker DNA sequence used to detect presence of another gene. Obviously these procedures used for testing the status of DNA, RNA or chromosomes are included in genetic tests. What is more it is possible to include some protein based tests and classical medical examinations when they aim to detect inheritance of a trait. Genetic tests have been divided into four categories in this text, and they will be examined in greater detail later. These categories are: Prenatal tests that are applied on fetuses during pregnancy. Neonatal screening just after birth and career screening of marrying couples. Testing for serious late-onset disease before the symptoms occur. Testing to assess the probability of developing complex disease. There are a couple of considerations about genetic tests: 1. First of all, the tests should be reliable. When a positive or a negative result is obtained, we should be confident in that re
Carrier screening may result with genetic discrimination against carriers. People who have been diagnosed as carriers may find it difficult to find partners for marriage, may be discriminated against by employers or insurance companies. For example, carriers of sickle cell anemia who were identified as a result of a compulsory population-screening programme during 1970's, were discriminated against in several American states. Although the geneticist who performs the population screening for rational reasons knows that being a carrier does not reduce physical or mental activity, the society can sometimes irrationally stigmatize such individuals. In this case, discriminating against carriers is not only unjust and unethical but also ridiculous. There is probably no more controversial issue in society than the issue of abortion. Widely contrasting views are argued with equal eagerness among physicians, clergy, feminists, sociologists, and everyone else who is asked to express his ideas.
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Approximate Word count = 3234
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)
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