Final - Ethical Issues in Genetics

Question 1

Benefits and potential harms in the field of genetics

Answer 1

• as the field of genetics continues to advance, people who have not received a diagnosis for an issue can find out the problem
• However, the answer may not always be the best outcome. EX: Issue w. child stems from the fact that the parents are related and did not know it

Question 2

Questions raised by the Human Genome Project

Answer 2

• Who to test
• When to test them
• Established ELSI to address ethical concerns (Ethical, legal, and social implications)

Question 3

Role of Health Care professional in addressing ethical issues

Answer 3

• medical professionals try to act ethically based on four basic principles
• however, respecting patients and their families may not be possible at the same time so respect for autonomy is honored while justice and beneficence are not.

Question 4

Principilism

- 4 Basic Priciples

Answer 4

1. Respect for autonomy = free will / agency
2. Beneficence = Action done for benefit of others
3. Non-maleficence = do no harm
4. Justice = equality; social distribution of benefits and burdens

Question 5

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA, 2008)

Answer 5

• protects people from genetic discrimination so people can’t be treated unfairly based on DNA differences (ex: insurance)
• however, though the law covers health insurance and employers, it doesn’t include life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance