L26 Genetics & Ethics

Question 1

In the context of ethics, discuss the patenting of genes

answer provides example discussion points

Answer 1

Example discussion points:

• Modified genes vs naturally occurring genes
• Are genes a body part?
• Impact on access to treatments
• Incentive to genetic research?

Question 2

In the context of ethics, discuss pre-implantation diagnosis

answer provides example discussion points

Answer 2

Example discussion points:
• May reduce healthcare costs associated with treating genetic diseases
• Pre-implantation makes it more ethically acceptable
• Possibility of misdiagnosis
• May reveal incidental findings about the parent

Question 3

In the context of ethics, briefly discuss genetic testing

answer provides example discussion points

Answer 3

Example discussion points:
• Who has a right to this information? Can the geneticist or doctor withhold certain findings?
• Incidental findings (e.g. brother is a carrier for genetic disease X, father is not biological father etc)
• Untreatable diseases

Question 4

When is it ethically appropriate to select embryos?

answer provides example discussion points

Answer 4

Example discussion points:
• Gender
• Genetic disorders
• To ensure the embryo shares disability with the parents (e.g. deafness)
• Selecting for desired traits