Prenatal Diagnosis for "Minor" Genetic Abnormalities is Ethical

Authors: Boyle R.J.¹; Savulescu J.²

Source: American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 3, Number 1, 1 March 2003 , pp. W60-W65(6)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Is it justified to detect minor genetic aberrations before birth and terminate pregnancies based upon such information? We present the case of a woman who wanted Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) to detect whether her female fetus was a Haemophilia mutation carrier. Such carriers are usually healthy.She wished to eradicate the Haemophilia mutation from her family to avoid future generations being affected and to protect her children from having to go through PND themselves.

We explore existing practice guidelines, public attitudes and possible objections to providing PND for minor abnormalities. We argue that in a society where couples have considerable autonomy relating to decisions about the fetus at least until viability, the routine restriction of PND for minor genetic abnormalities would be an unjust infringement of individual liberty.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/152651603322781648

Affiliations: 1: Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia 2: University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Publication date: 2003-03-01

More about this publication?