Genetic screening: ethical issues
Report
Published 01/12/1993
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.
- To survey and report on recent and prospective advances in genetic screening and its applications;
- To review experience to date of current and potential benefits and difficulties of genetic screening and associated counselling;
- 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:
- the general risk of stigma attaching or being attached to those perceived as genetically disadvantaged;
- the handling and holding of information;
- consent to being screened;
- confidentiality in all its aspects;
- the implications for employment and insurance;
- the storage and use of genetic information for legal purposes.