ethics and genetics Flashcards
When would we carry out genetic testing?
This is only done for diseases in which a presence of a specific gene is strongly associated with disease onset, e.g. Trisomy 21 for Down’s Syndrome.
What are the Caldicott Principles?
- Justify the purpose of every proposed use or transfer
- Don’t use it unless absolutely necessary
- Use minimum data necessary
- Access should be on a need to know basis
- Everyone with access should be aware of their responsibility and understand and comply with the law.
- Duty to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality.
What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?
This is a procedure which relies on IVF. 1 or 2 cells are removed from the embryo and analysed in the lab. We can check for single gene disorders, sex and chromosomal abnormalities. We cannot identify non-disease genes.
Why might people disagree with reproductive cloning?q
Where is the limit? What about people who can afford to undergo multiple cloning procedures? This becomes an issue of the procedure being used not for the greater good, but for fun. There is also still some uncertainty around the benefits and risks of cloning. Moreover, it can devalue a person and may not have long term beneficial effects.
Why might some people disagree with amniocentesis?
There is a slight risk of inducing miscarriage when carrying out amniocentesis (1 in 200). Any couple wishing to undergo amniocentesis should be informed of this so that they can make their own decision about whether they want to carry out the procedure. Amniocentesis can check for Down’s Syndrome, etc.
What are Genetic Modification studies?
This is when we alter the genetic material in an organisms which would not naturally occur. Would be covered by the Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations.
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified frost resistant potatoes?
This may pose difficult questions for countries trying to work out how to regulate gene-edited plants and animals. What is the cost of this? We could may reduce hunger in cases of poverty but how much would the programme cost? If it would cost £100 million then this might not be achievable for our economy. It could end up being the case that only wealthy people can afford to buy them as they end up more expensive than normal potatoes. In this situation, what is the point of making them in the first place? What are the long term effects? If the long term effects are still unknown then it would be unethical to license the use of this until further information is known.
What are the pros and cons of genome editing?
CRISPR/Cas-9 genome editing is an incredibly powerful tool which is used highly in research to allow replication of real life situations, and monitoring for improved treatment regimes. However, there are issues with implementing into real life situations, e.g. we could edit the gene for Yellow fever mosquitos to prevent the transfer of yellow fever (which has high mortality rate) however, this would cause infertility therefore would kill off a whole species. This is not an acceptable way and there would be knock on effects of killing a whole species.
