Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is the term used to describe medical tests involving the analysis of an individuals genetic composition; either prenatally or any time throughout an individuals lifetime. Genetic screening is useful in numerous ways to identify abnormalities, disorders, relativities to others (ex paternity tests) and much more.
Here are just two of the numerous ways genetic screening can be used:
1. Newborn Screening: Newborn screening is a type of genetic screening, where a newborn baby is tested for genetic complications. It is executed through analysis of a blood sample from the newborn, and is recommended by health care professionals for early detection of abnormalities. Early detection can lead early use of medication or accommodations, that prevent the condition from worsening. Newborn screening is mandatory in certain states, and optional in others, however it is always recommended for proper measures to be taken if needed. (NSO, n.d)
Although there are no physical downsides to newborn screening, one must consider ethical implications on parents and family if there were a genetic abnormality found. For example, if a couple finds that their newborn baby of a couple days has (or will have) a genetic abnormality, they may face the decision of either keeping the baby and raising it while accepting the hardships they will go through, or giving it for adoption. A couple may want to keep the child, and raise it because it is their own and they will go through whatever it takes for the child. Or the couple may want to give it for adoption if they accept the fact that they are not prepared to properly raise a child with this genetic disorder. The decision will be tough and test the ethics of both parents, as well as the rest of the family. Ultimately, they will want to choose what is best for the baby, and also what is best for them and their future.
Having said this, if the couple decides to give the baby to another willing family, they should be completely honest and transparent with the condition of their child, as it may not be noticeable to new parents right away. The biological parents may feel as though no one would accept their child if they are aware of the conditions, but at the same time, it is unfair to new parents to unknowingly receive a child with a genetic abnormality, as they may also be unprepared for the situation.
2. Carrier testing: Carrier testing is a form of genetic screening involving the analysis of recessive genes in an individual, that may be passed on to their offspring. Carrier testing is usually to detect any harmful recessive genes, that may seriously harm their children, or even prevent the individual from having children at all. These tests are popular in couples who are thinking of marriage, or having children, and want to know if they are able to create a healthy family. A harmful recessive gene in both parents can dramatically increase the chances of an abnormality in their child. Carrier testing is, also, done through a blood test.
Carrier testing may provide very useful information, that can avoid the creation of disabled children, and may prevent extra stress and hardships on the parents. However, there are serious social implications of carrier tests. For example, a couple with a high chance of abnormal offspring may reconsider marriage of having kids. They may feel it is better to go their separate ways and find new partners with whom they can have healthy children. Or, the couple may resort to adoption for healthy children to raise. This may affect them if they had hoped for children of their own. Or, a couple may even take the risk of having a child with an abnormality. In order to pursue the latter, however, the couple must thoroughly understand and be prepared for the hardships they will face in the chance they conceive a genetically ill child.
Here are just two of the numerous ways genetic screening can be used:
1. Newborn Screening: Newborn screening is a type of genetic screening, where a newborn baby is tested for genetic complications. It is executed through analysis of a blood sample from the newborn, and is recommended by health care professionals for early detection of abnormalities. Early detection can lead early use of medication or accommodations, that prevent the condition from worsening. Newborn screening is mandatory in certain states, and optional in others, however it is always recommended for proper measures to be taken if needed. (NSO, n.d)
Although there are no physical downsides to newborn screening, one must consider ethical implications on parents and family if there were a genetic abnormality found. For example, if a couple finds that their newborn baby of a couple days has (or will have) a genetic abnormality, they may face the decision of either keeping the baby and raising it while accepting the hardships they will go through, or giving it for adoption. A couple may want to keep the child, and raise it because it is their own and they will go through whatever it takes for the child. Or the couple may want to give it for adoption if they accept the fact that they are not prepared to properly raise a child with this genetic disorder. The decision will be tough and test the ethics of both parents, as well as the rest of the family. Ultimately, they will want to choose what is best for the baby, and also what is best for them and their future.
Having said this, if the couple decides to give the baby to another willing family, they should be completely honest and transparent with the condition of their child, as it may not be noticeable to new parents right away. The biological parents may feel as though no one would accept their child if they are aware of the conditions, but at the same time, it is unfair to new parents to unknowingly receive a child with a genetic abnormality, as they may also be unprepared for the situation.
2. Carrier testing: Carrier testing is a form of genetic screening involving the analysis of recessive genes in an individual, that may be passed on to their offspring. Carrier testing is usually to detect any harmful recessive genes, that may seriously harm their children, or even prevent the individual from having children at all. These tests are popular in couples who are thinking of marriage, or having children, and want to know if they are able to create a healthy family. A harmful recessive gene in both parents can dramatically increase the chances of an abnormality in their child. Carrier testing is, also, done through a blood test.
Carrier testing may provide very useful information, that can avoid the creation of disabled children, and may prevent extra stress and hardships on the parents. However, there are serious social implications of carrier tests. For example, a couple with a high chance of abnormal offspring may reconsider marriage of having kids. They may feel it is better to go their separate ways and find new partners with whom they can have healthy children. Or, the couple may resort to adoption for healthy children to raise. This may affect them if they had hoped for children of their own. Or, a couple may even take the risk of having a child with an abnormality. In order to pursue the latter, however, the couple must thoroughly understand and be prepared for the hardships they will face in the chance they conceive a genetically ill child.