|
| 15611. PREDICTIVE GENETIC TESTING IS INHERENTLY UNETHICAL WITHIN THE EXISTING U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. This paper analyzes the ethically complex and controversial issue of predictive genetic testing. It will be argued that given the current conditions in the U.S. healthcare system, the use of predictive genetic testing is inherently unethical and should be prohibited because it may harm patients and result in injustices. It is argued that the benefits of genetic testing are grossly overstated (e.g., there are often no treatments available for genetic diseases) and that the risks, especially those related to breach of patient confidentiality, loss of insurance, and discrimination in employment, are grossly understated. It is maintained that barring the implementation of a system of universal healthcare, predictive genetic testing will remain an ethically unviable proposition. 18 pages, 26 footnotes, 18 bibliographic sources. |
|
$126
|
|
 |