Current Paediatrics
Volume 12, Issue 6 , Pages 447-452, December 2002

The ethics of population screening

  • Alexandra Murray

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
    • ,
  • Angus Clarke

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK

Abstract 

The ethical issues raised by population screening programmes are complex, with implications for individuals, healthcare professionals and society as a whole. While personal autonomy has to be respected in these programmes, especially the need for informed consent, population screening will often be justified on the basis of benevolence. The public health criteria and the ethical considerations applicable to any screening programme are outlined, especially in the context of genetic conditions. The issues raised by some current screening programmes are discussed, and the problems that may arise in the future are considered.

Keywords: genetic testing, population screening, antenatal screening, newborn screening, carrier screening

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  • f1 Correspondence to: AM. Tel.: 029 2074 4654; Fax: 029 2074 7603; E-mail: alex.murray@uhw-tr.wales.nhs.uk

PII: S0957-5839(02)90334-9

doi:10.1054/cupe.2002.0334

Current Paediatrics
Volume 12, Issue 6 , Pages 447-452, December 2002

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