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Genetic information plays an increasingly important role in ourlives. As a result of the Human Genome Project, knowledge ofthe genetic basis of various diseases is growing, withimportant consequences for the role of genetics in clinicalpractice, health care systems and for society at large. In theclinical setting genetic testing may result in a better insightinto susceptibility for inheritable diseases, not only before orafter birth, but also at later stages in life. Besides prenataltesting and pre-conceptional testing, predictive testing hasresulted in new possibilities for the early detection, treatmentand prevention of inheritable diseases.
However, not all inheritable diseases that can be predicted onthe basis of genetic information can be treated or cured.Should we offer genetic tests to people for untreatablediseases? Should we test every individual who wants to knowhis or her genetic status? Should we inform family membersabout the results of genetic tests of individuals, even whenthere are no possibilities for treatment? What, in such cases,is the role of the "right-not-to-know"? Should we informfamily members when there is only an increased risk of adisease? This book deals with the ethical issues of clinicalgenetics, as well as ethical issues that arise in geneticscreening, the research of populations, and the use of geneticinformation for access to insurance and the workplace.
List of contents
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. Prenatal Testing
Chapter 2. Right to Know
Chapter 3. Counseling
Chapter 4. Predictive Testing: Health/Disease
Chapter 5. What is Healthy?
Chapter 6. Access to Genetic Services
Chapter 7. Control of Genome
Chapter 8. Ownership ofGenetic Information
Chapter 9. Power and Pressure
Chapter 10. Confidentiality
Chapter 11. Identity and Disability Rights
Chapter 12. Ethical Theories
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Mariachiara Tallacchini teaches Philosophy of Law at the Law Faculty of the Catholic University of Piacenza and Bioethics, Biotechnology and Law at the Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Milan.
Summary
This workbook for practitioners and students deals with the ethical implications of clinical genetics, as well as ethical issues involved in genetic screening, the research of populations, and the use of genetic information for access to insurance and the workplace. Suggestions for activities and qu
