Ethical questions around the disclosure of genetic information to family members can contribute to the nature versus nurture debate. A transmitted mutation is given by nature, but it is in being informed of its existence that behaviour may change.
Although genetic information is inherently familial, to expect it to be distributed between all family members is [...]
Within the discussion of genetic responsibility, and especially in relation to pre-conception solutions there is a constant question of the ethical treatment of “possible persons”. With technology and longevity comes a tendency to always look ahead and to seek for methods of control. Science + future forecasting makes prevention of possible people from existing an [...]
Also tagged carrier, eugenics, future, predeterminedIn the classic Greek tragedy, the first stage in the tragic chain of events is the Hamarita - the fatal flaw. Hamartia, an injury committed in ignorance (when the person affected or the results are not what the agent supposed they were) seen as an error in judgment or unwitting mistake. Another common interpretation of [...]
Also tagged flaw, mistake, PGD, tragedyChapple et al . (1995) observed that carrier and non-carrier women who had attended genetic counselling felt personally responsible and blamed themselves for their children’s disabilities and impairments, and did not change their views when it was explained that their child’s disorder was caused by genetic mutations that were out of their personal control. (Hallowell)
Guilt [...]
Legal scholar Linda McClain highlights the cultural tendency in American society to view procreation choices within the realms of personal responsibility rather than unfettered individual rights. This cultural view corresponds with a shift in law and public policy, demonstrated by the Bush government’s premise to promote marriage and two-parent families.
“In the rhetoric of irresponsibility, reproductive [...]
So do contrasts in perception of responsibility depend upon the level of involvement? Those who experience it first hand as carriers, (or even non-carriers within a carrier family) seem to see a wider spectrum to the debate, while non-carriers or are more judgemental and build a more precise definition of their view on right and [...]
Also tagged carrier, non-carrier, perceptionGoing back to “On Being Genetically “Irresponsible” (Andre, Fleck, Tomlinson 2000) one of the key arguments revolves around the theory that responsibility is considered somehow a character attribute rather than a form of action, and therefor accusing someone for being irresponsible is a critique of their personality rather than their behaviour.
“It is not just an [...]
Also tagged blame, category, character, personalityWith genetic transparency family secrets can no longer exist. By constructing a family according to biological knowledge, social structures centered around monogamy and fidelity are reinforced. Genetic screening performed to find possible mutations can also unintentionally function as a paternity test, thus revealing any illicit affairs and disclosing family secrets.
Does genetic knowledge acts as a [...]