The ethics of genetic testing of families☆

Abstract 

The ethics of genetic testing relate in particular to the need to obtain a balance between the possible benefits conferred on and the potential harm done to an individual and their family as a consequence of both the process and the results obtained from genetic investigations. It is not always possible to predict the effect of the receipt of genetic information upon the individual or the family; therefore, the investigation of families for genetic disorders should not be undertaken without careful consideration of the implications of such testing. The implications of genetic testing depend on several factors including the type of genetic investigation proposed, the reasons for the test request and the age of the individual concerned. The purpose of this article is to highlight the key issues involved in the genetic testing of families.

Keywords: childhood genetic testing, predictive testing, carrier testing

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