Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Testing: Examples from... [J Genet Couns. 2011] - PubMed result

J Genet Couns. 2011 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print]
Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Testing: Examples from the Cuban Program for Predictive Diagnosis of Hereditary Ataxias.

Mariño TC, Armiñán RR, Cedeño HJ, Mesa JM, Zaldivar YG, Rodríguez RA, Santos MV, Mederos LE, Herrera MP, Pérez LV.

Predictive Genetics Department, Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (CIRAH), Holguín, Cuba, taniacmarin@infomed.sld.cu.


Abstract

Predictive testing protocols are intended to help patients affected with hereditary conditions understand their condition and make informed reproductive choices. However, predictive protocols may expose clinicians and patients to ethical dilemmas that interfere with genetic counseling and the decision making process. This paper describes ethical dilemmas in a series of five cases involving predictive testing for hereditary ataxias in Cuba. The examples herein present evidence of the deeply controversial situations faced by both individuals at risk and professionals in charge of these predictive studies, suggesting a need for expanded guidelines to address such complexities.

PMID: 21264501 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Testing: Examples from... [J Genet Couns. 2011] - PubMed result