genetic screening

Genetics and behaviour

Research is exploring how genes and the environment influence behavioural traits such as aggression, anxiety, intelligence and sexual orientation.

This report addresses concerns over how this information could be used to try to predict, change or select such traits.

Mental disorders

Research into the genetics of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and depression, may help diagnosis and treatment.

This report considers the ethical concerns raised, for example, around reproductive decisions and stigma.

Genetic screening for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia raises important ethical, legal and practical issues for the individual involved, their families and society generally.

The Council made this the subject of its first report, published in 1993.

Genetic screening - 2006 supplement

The Council published a supplement to its 1993 report on genetic screening in 2006. The supplement aims to provide an update on developments in science and policy in the field of genetics as they relate to genetic screening.

Genetic screening - Key findings

This report recommended that the voluntary nature of all screening programmes should be emphasised and that adequately informed consent be a requirement. It also recommended that counselling should be readily available for those being genetically screened, as well as for those being tested on account of a family history of a genetic disorder.

Genetic screening - Terms of reference

1 To survey and report on recent and prospective advances in genetic screening and its applications;

2 To review experience to date of current and potential benefits and difficulties of genetic screening and associated counselling;

3 To identify, define and discuss the ethical issues affecting both individuals and society which arise, or may arise in future from genetic screening, including such matters as:-

(b) the handling and holding of information;

Genetic screening - Chapter downloads

You can download the individual chapters of this report using the links below. (All files are PDFs and less than 400 KB)

Chapter 1- Introduction

Chapter 2- Scientific basis

Supplement to 1993 Report on Genetic Screening

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published a Supplement to its report Genetic Screening: ethical issues (1993). It summarises scientific, technological and policy-related developments that have taken place over the past 13 years in the UK.