Discussion Question: Mother With A New Set Of Female Twins

Discussion Questiona Mother With A New Set Of Female Twins Learns Of

Discussion Question: A mother with a new set of female twins learns of a genetic test that can be done to determine if the children are carriers of the gene for breast cancer. She submits the sample to the company, receives the results in 2 weeks, and learns that one twin is at risk while the other is not. The mother takes this information to the infants’ pediatrician and asks for further testing on the child with the increased susceptibility and wants to know if preventative treatment can begin now. The mother also enters this information as patient-generated data which has created several red flags in the electronic record’s decision support system. The clinical staff are concerned since the patient with the risk for breast cancer is only weeks old.

Answer the following questions regarding this case : How would you handle this situation from an ethical perspective? How will the mother having this knowledge about the infants affect the way they will be treated developmentally, medically, socially, and economically? Should there be restrictions on the age of individuals receiving genetic testing through companies of questionable reputation? 350 words APA references

Paper For Above instruction

This case presents a complex intersection of ethical, medical, social, and legal considerations surrounding genetic testing in infants and the use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services. From an ethical perspective, the primary concern revolves around the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. The ethical approach requires ensuring that any interventions or testing are in the best interest of the child, preventing potential harm resulting from premature or inaccurate information, and respecting the child’s future autonomy.

Genetic testing in infants, especially for adult-onset conditions such as breast cancer susceptibility, raises significant ethical questions. Such testing can lead to psychological distress for parents and may influence parenting behaviors and social dynamics negatively. It’s generally recommended that certain genetic tests, which predict risks for adult-onset diseases, be delayed until the individual reaches an age where they can make informed decisions about their health. Ethical standards emphasize the importance of providing genetic information responsibly and avoiding unnecessary testing that might cause harm or violate the child's rights.

The mother’s knowledge about her child’s genetic risk will likely influence their development across multiple domains. Medically, it may prompt early interventions or increased surveillance, but it could also lead to unnecessary medicalization, anxiety, or stigmatization. Socially, the knowledge may alter familial interactions and lead to discrimination or social isolation if the information becomes publicly known. Economically, such information might result in increased medical costs for ongoing testing, preventive treatments, or insurance-related issues, which could be burdensome or discriminatory.

Regarding restrictions on genetic testing, especially by questionable companies, it is imperative to institute age limits and regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable populations from premature or inappropriate testing. Policies should ensure that genetic testing services adhere to ethical standards and scientific validity, limiting access for minors to tests that are reliably predictive and ethically justifiable. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and genetic counseling professionals recommend delaying testing for adult-onset conditions unless medically necessary, emphasizing that minors should only undergo testing when there are immediate health benefits and when performed under appropriate counseling.

In conclusion, ethical, social, and legal considerations strongly suggest delaying genetic testing of infants for adult-onset conditions and implementing robust regulations to prevent misuse by inexperienced or unregulated entities. Protecting the rights and well-being of children must be prioritized over commercial interests or premature access to genetic information.

References

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