Discussion Forum Assignment: Ethical Consideration in Genetic Screening and Treatment

Ethical Concerns in Genetic Screening

Ethical Concerns in Genetic Screening

by Tam Daws -
Number of replies: 1

Genetic screening has revolutionized healthcare, offering early detection of hereditary diseases like cancer. However, ethical concerns arise when considering potential discrimination by employers or insurance companies. The video “Should We Screen for Cancer Genes?” discusses how genetic information could impact personal decisions, including preventive surgeries. While screening can save lives, it also introduces emotional and psychological burdens, such as anxiety over uncertain results.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), discussed in “The Ethics of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis,” raises additional concerns. While it allows parents to avoid passing on severe genetic conditions, it also poses moral dilemmas about “designer babies.” If used beyond medical necessity, it could lead to societal divisions based on genetic traits. Regulations should focus on preventing misuse while ensuring those who need these technologies can access them without financial barriers.

Ultimately, while genetic advancements offer hope, ethical oversight is crucial to prevent exploitation. Policies should balance innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring that genetic screening serves public health without reinforcing inequalities.


161 words

In reply to Tam Daws

Re: Ethical Concerns in Genetic Screening

by Zhaoyi Sun -
The risk of genetic discrimination is alarming, as seen in cases where individuals may face bias from employers or insurance companies based on their genetic predisposition to diseases. While there are some laws help prevent such misuse, enforcement remains a challenge.
Your discussion of PGD and "designer babies" is also important. While PGD is a powerful tool for preventing genetic diseases, its potential misuse for non-medical trait selection raises serious ethical concerns. One possible solution is stricter regulations limiting PGD to medical purposes while banning selection based on cosmetic or intelligence-related traits. However, determining where to draw the line is complex.

101 words