Advancements in science have allowed us to have greater information regarding the many diseases and disorders that have the potential to afflict us; such is the case with genetic testing. Genetic testing allows providers to screen individuals for changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins and either confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2018). Although we now have the ability to test for thousands of genetic disorders, does not mean that we should test for these disorders. There are many instances, especially in regards to the unborn and adolescent children, where we must consider the legal, ethical, and social implications for doing so.
At first glance, it may seem reasonable to provide genetic testing to those individuals who would like to know whether they,
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As with all of our actions in nursing, and the health care profession, we must also consider the many implications our actions may have. “Providers who receive requests for genetic testing in children must weigh the interests of children and those of their parents and families” (American Society of Human Genetics Board of Directors, & American College of Medical Genetics Board of Directors, 1995). One must consider the many ethical considerations of genetic testing in children and adolescents. Testing should be carried out only if there is a timely medical benefit toward preventative measures. For example, it may not be prudent to test a young child for early onset Alzheimer’s. Although the disease strikes young, it typically does not affect one until adulthood when the subject can then make their own decision whether they would like to know if they carry the gene. Likewise, there are many legal implications surrounding genetic testing. If a parent chooses to have their child tested for Huntington’s disease and find they are a carrier, this could affect the child’s ability to obtain life insurance in the future. Whether counseling a parent,