#67- What are the ethical considerations of genetic testing in children?

Bioethicist Curtis discusses the complexities of genetic testing in children, including ethical considerations, parental rights, and privacy issues. He emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making and informed consent in pediatric genetics.

 

Key words: genetic testing, children, bioethics, parental rights, informed consent, privacy, genetic counseling, ethical considerations

 

Key Takeaways:

• Genetic testing should occur when there is agreement between clinical team and family
• Parents have broad rights to make decisions for their children but ethical limits exist
• Involving children in their healthcare decisions is crucial as they mature
• Genetic privacy is limited, and sharing results has implications
• Shared decision-making aligns testing with family values

 

Guest bio:

Dr. Coughlin is a Professor of Pediatrics and serves as a clinical ethicist at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. His research focuses on rare diseases and on applying empirical and conceptual methods at the intersection of genetics, policy, and bioethics. He is an editor of the upcoming textbook Ethics and Genetic Counseling Practice, and his recent publications have focused on equitable access to genomic information and supporting individual decision-making 

 

Resources related to today’s topic:

• Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you

 

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