Bioethical Considerations
Gene Mapping
a What is there to consider ethical against gene mapping? Are we defying the laws of
nature and becoming Gods ourselves to determine who should live and who shouldn’t’?
Gene Mapping is impeding death and a lifelong burden among family members who suffer
from ailment like cancer, gene disorders and other diseases. The detection of these early
mutations can help save lives and prevent suffering for others. Article Genetic testing on
embryos during IVF: The Advantages & Disadvantages. (2021) mentions:
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is another type of genetic screening
which detects the presence of genes for specific diseases, such as, Huntington
disease, Tay-Sach disease, cystic fibrosis, and approximately 2,000 other inherited
single-gene disorders.
However, where do we draw the line, who is there to say the mapping stops there? Further
interference can lead to either major advances or disastrous consequences. Currently, gene
mapping still does not prevent from an individual from getting cancer later in his life. In
fact it build stress and unwanted anxiety for those who get tested and are now diagnosed
with an incurable disease or responsible carrying the gene that causes the disorder. As per
article The Pros & Cons of genetic testing for cancer. (n.d) states:
Finding out that a gene mutation is absent can offer a deep sense of relief. And
others who find out that they are carriers can take comfort in having more control.
Still, says Aatre: “This crystal ball, all of a sudden, can pop in front of you.” That
may spark deep feelings of guilt (regardless of findings) or difficult decisions.
This can cause irreparable emotional damages to anybody, another ethical dilemma that
scientists don’t fathom. Worst of all there apparently is discrimination now against
recipients of gene mapping, isn’t this also unethical.
a Why should we discriminate because someone may be prone to a diseases or
disorder than someone else isn’t to? There's currently a law that protects against this but
not in every state. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed
into federal law in 2008. GINA prohibits health insurers and most employers from
discriminating against individuals based on genetic information (including the results of
genetic tests and family history information). (Joy, 2017.) Even though there is a law for
this there are other insurance carriers would not insured them because of this. Personally,
at the end the pros outweigh cons for gene mapping
References
Genetic testing on embryos during IVF: The Advantages & Disadvantages. RMA
Network - Fertility Clinic. (2021, June 1). Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
https://rmanetwork.com/blog/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-testing/
The Pros & Cons of genetic testing for cancer. Virginia Oncology Associates. (n.d.).
Retrieved April 19, 2022, from https://www.virginiacancer.com/genetic-
testing/advantages-disadvantages-of-genetic-testing/
Joy, K. (2017, December 8). Pros and cons of genetic testing: What to know before you
go. What are the pros and cons of genetic testing. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/health-management/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-
testing-what-to-know-before-you-go
