Example research essay topic: Genetic Screening Prenatal Diagnosis - 908 words

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Genetic Testing Genetic issues are often related to the themes of bioethics, human decision making and moral issues. Genetic engineering, being one of the main branches of biotechnology, is often spoken in relation to ethical aspects which seem to be mutually contradictory. Who will answer ticklish questions? Who will bear responsibility for future? Is society justified in requiring that people submit to genetic screening, counseling, or prenatal diagnosis?

Do physicians have an obligation to inform their patients who are prospective parents about the kinds of genetic test that are available? Do patients have a right to be informed of all the results of a genetic test? Is it right to have children who are likely to be impaired? Lets dwell on the subject and answer these questions.

I realize that my survey is brief and incomplete. However, despite it is being selective, I have pursued a goal of backing up my opinion that genetic screening is not the correct way to solve a problem because it can result in more cons than pros. To do that, I have given an idea of various sources, based on genetic engineering, genetic screening, bioethics and population genetics. The essay dwells on ethical aspects of genetic screening and selection.

However, it imposes a question on the reader / viewer and suggests to use own judgment based on beliefs and values. Now lets go on to the immediate exploration of this issue. Genetic screening has raised heated debates in the society. The society has divided in two groups: one group supports genetic screening and the other seems to be against it. Those who stand for genetic screening believe that this is the best way for future development of population. But there is the whole range of objections of those who dont support this intention.

First of all, lets try to understand whether the people should be submitted to genetic screening, counseling or prenatal diagnosis. The supporters of genetic screening adduce several arguments: Prenatal genetic screening will be able to find out the children with genetic defects The second pro results from early elimination of such children. In case the doctors undertake measures, the government will not have to spend huge funds to support children with genetic and mental disorders. The taxpayers, in their turn, will not be obliged to pay additional amounts to support the handicapped. Yet, it is an extremely doubtful benefit, isnt it?

The people will be required for a genetic testing and will know whether they have any genetic disease. In case the genetic screening will not be obligatory, various genetic diseases will continue to be passed from one generation to the other. The cons of genetic screening are as follows: First of all, genetic screening can be perceived as a kind of discrimination against people with various disabilities. According to the Constitution and Human Right Act, all people have equal rights despite of their origin, race, gender and physical ability / disability . Discrimination against handicapped people is, probably, the most important issue being adduced as argument against genetic screening; Handicapped people as well as those who have genetic diseases also have right to exist and to maintain a quality life. They shouldnt be deprived of the chance for existence.

This aspect arouses the most heated debates in society. The opponents of genetic screening often speak about well-known artists, scientists, politics and other famous people suffering from genetic or mental disorders as frequently cited instances. They also underline that people dont have right to act in a God-like manner while choosing who will live and who has to die. In case society will require people to make genetic tests, the number of abortions will inevitably increase. Besides, the parents will have the right to choose whether to leave a handicapped child or not.

The opponents of genetic screening insist that the mankind should continue its reproduction in a natural way of selection. It seems, if the mankind will follow the way of genetic screening it can result in Sparta number two. Do we need the world of perfect individuals or the world where all the people have equal right for life? These and other arguments, in their turn, raise other questions. For the time being genetic testing is available only for early and late onset conditions, susceptibility to something, carriers of recessive genes, abnormal chromosome number and sex of future child. Do physicians have an obligation to inform their patients who are prospective parents about the kinds of genetic test that are available?

In case the genetic screening is done, do patients have a right to be informed of all the results of a genetic test? Is it right to have children who are likely to be impaired? What about if the physician fails the genetic testing? Or who will be responsible for a life of child if the physician reports wrong results and parents decide to make abortion?

Do the handicapped children and children who are likely to be impaired have the right to live? Genetic screening raises the ethical, legal, and social issues. Although the identification of genetic disorders seems to be very prospective in certain situations, it still has more negative than positive consequences. No one have the right to play the God. No one have right to decide whether to kill the unborn child or to give him chance for existence.

I am personally not for genetic testing and consider that genetic discrimination shouldnt exist.

Research essay sample on Genetic Screening Prenatal Diagnosis