Commercial Genetic Testing Is NOT Ethical
explanatory Essay
1187 words
Don’t do commercial genetic testing, it’s $1,000 and a big waste of your time and money. Not only are you wasting your time and money on something that isn’t ethical, you’re giving the companies the right to your past. How would you know if they’re trustworthy as well? I feel there needs to be more transparency when it comes to commercial DNA testing. Commercial genetic testing is unethical because you don’t know what they’re going to do with your DNA and also you’ll be losing a big part of your privacy.
When we look into ethics, we must first understand what ethics is. Ethics (as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary): “The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation”. So when we think of people doing
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In this essay, the author
- Opines that commercial genetic testing is unethical because you don't know what they're going to do with your dna and you'll be losing a big part of your privacy.
- Explains that ethics is the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. when people do unethical activities, they think of them doing activities that go against the public and our own morals.
- Explains how 23andme gives you results by sequencing the dna, which tells you if you are at risk for genetic disorders.
- Opines that unregulated or commercial dna tests are unethical because of the fact that you could make other un ethical decisions like choosing if a baby should stay alive or not or losing your privacy.
- Explains that the data is inconsistent with commercial dna testing. scott brown wanted elizabeth warrner to prove that she was 1/32 cherokee by doing a dna test.
Commercial DNA tests work like this, you pay about $100-$200, 23andMe will send you a box within about 5-8 days, and you spit into a tube and return the box. Then you wait for about 6-8 weeks, and then you look at your results. 23andMe gives you your results by sequencing the DNA which means they take one of your DNA strands, untwist it and look at the nucleotides (the most basic part of the DNA), and these sequences will tell you if you are at risk for genetic disorders. Nucleotides are the genetic are the part of the DNA that tell the DNA what to make. Then the DNA tells the cells what to make, then the cells make it. The most common one being Alzheimer's. You can’t tell if you are someone's biological parent or child from these tests though. A regulated DNA test takes DNA from a child and DNA from a parent since the child will had got half of their DNA from one of their parents. If you test a fragment of DNA from a parent and a child about 50% of it should match the parent. So if you take 12 fragments of DNA from the child according to the statistics, 6 fragments will match and that will prove if they child is really the parents or not (Medical Genomics). What I am trying to say is that when you do an unregulated DNA test you get a lot less information than what a regulated DNA test will give
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- The Disadvantages of Genetic Testing on Children Discussed in Dena Davis' Book Genetic Dilemmasanalytical essayIn chapter four of her book Genetic Dilemmas, Dena Davis asserts that it is unethical for parents to subject their children to genetic testing for the markers of adult-onset genetic diseases because it places an unfair constraint on a child’s right to an open future. It both removes the child’s ability to choose whether to be tested as an adult and has the potential to negatively alter the overall trajectory of their lives. While the current consensus amongst medical professionals is that such testing should be prohibited (Davis, _____), many concerned parents correctly point out that discouraging such testing creates a conflict of interests between the “beneficence model of patient care and the rights of parents to their own autonomy” (Davis, 75). The availability of commercial online and mail-order genetic testing kits further exacerbates this dilemma by enabling these dissenting parents to obtain test results for their children. Davis ultimately makes a convincing argument that “parental requests for genetic information about their children, when they have no immediate relevance to medical intervention or disease prevention, should generally be resisted” (Davis, 87). This paper seeks to demonstrate that in the case of testing for incurable, late onset genetic diseases, protecting the rights and interests of the child should take precedence over parental autonomy, and that there is a marked need for tighter regulation of commercial genetic testing in order to protect these rights.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how dena davis asserts that it is unethical for parents to subject their children to genetic testing for adult-onset genetic diseases because it places an unfair constraint on a child's right to an open future.
- Explains that davis acknowledges that there is a lack of consensus regarding the ethical permissibility of testing. test results will allow parents to exercise their reproductive rights and decide if and when to have more children.
- Argues that the autonomy of some must be sacrificed for the broader good of all. rawls introduces the maximin rule in his 1971 treatise a theory of justice.
- Argues that genetic testing violates a child's right to an open future. parents may feel guilty or shelter their not-yet-sick children because they believe they are more fragile than they actually are.
- Agrees with davis' assertion that childhood testing for late onset diseases should be prohibited if there are neither prophylactic measures nor cures in existence.
- Opines that healthcare providers should err on the side of caution and advise against all childhood genetic testing for untreatable, late-onset diseases.
2351 wordsRead More - An Evaluation of Direct-to-Consumer Testing and Need for Integrative Genetic Counselinganalytical essayAs of 2011, more than 250 health conditions can be genetically tested, and more than 27 different companies offer genetic testing services.1 Direct-to-consumer testing (DTC) is increasing in popularity and prevalence in our modern health care society.2 DTCs are genetic tests that are available to the general public, through phone or web, and are issued without the help of a health practitioner.1 Eventually, DTCs will be used to evaluate a wide variety of diseases.1 Currently they can be used to trace cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease.1,3 DTC testing has become part of a thriving healthcare marketplace.4 A variety of companies offer DTCs, like Myriad, one of the most popular product lines.4 The prevalence of DTCs is becoming controversial in health care, primarily because of the possibility of consumers misinterpreting and having trouble coping with the tests they receive, especially without any assistance.4 DTCs work by analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms.4,5 Common techniques include karyotyping, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing and microarray.1
In this essay, the author
- Explains that direct-to-consumer testing (dtc) is increasing in popularity and prevalence in our modern health care society.
- Explains the benefits of dtcs, such as the analysis of predispositions to genetic disorders, and the cost of the test.
- Opines that the unequal awareness among physicians regarding dtcs may lead to gaps in healthcare practice.
- Analyzes the risks associated with dtcs, stating that they are loosely regulated by the food and drug administration (fda).
- Explains that genetic counseling can be used in pre and post testing.
- Opines that dtcs will continue to have a presence in healthcare, which means consumers and healthcare professionals need to be well-aware about them.
- Analyzes the impact of direct-to-consumer genetic testing on cancer risk prediction.
- Explains the impact of risk information exposure on women's beliefs about direct-to-consumer genetic testing for brca mutations.
1647 wordsRead More - Christopher Labos Feakonomics Podcast Summaryanalytical essayThese test can also be medically unhelpful and won’t lower your risk of diseases. Therefore, instead of spending 200$ on a useless DNA test, you could use your money wisely to improve your lifestyle.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how christopher labos addicted to freakonomics podcast. 23andme offers genetic testing to get more information on your dna. home dna testing is inaccurate and won't lower your risk of diseases.
- Opines that everyone should have a healthy lifestyle to live longer, happier life with avoiding horrible diseases that can change their whole life.
468 wordsRead More - Genetic Screeninganalytical essayThe door opens and your doctor steps into the room. The doctor is wearing a frown on his face. He tells you that they just got your tests back from the lab and wants to refer you to a genetic counselor. Given the current trend in our society man y of us may fare this situation in our future. But what does this mean to our lives, what can these tests really tell us? In this document I will address what type of tests are considered genetic screening and what they can tell us, the ethical argument s floating around in the media today, and how you should embrace this new technology.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how genetic screening can tell us about the ethical arguments floating around in the media, and how we should embrace this new technology.
- Argues that the way genetic screening programs are used raises questions about the ethics of genetic testing.
- Explains that genetic screening tests are safer than invasive techniques, like amniocentesis, and precutaneous umbilical blood sampling, which can screen the genes of fetuses.
- Argues that labeling people as carriers of certain diseases can cause many other problems unrelated to the disease.
- Argues that it is sadistic to not take steps to greatly reduce chances of their having atrocious diseases. genetic screening for carrier diseases is a good example.
- Cites blatt, robin jr. an overview of genetic screening and diagnostic tests in health care, and vermeulen, robert.
2420 wordsRead More - Genetic Testing In Children Case Studyexplanatory essayThere are current studies that also suggest that various parents might have an interest in predictive genomic testing in their children as Mrs. Allen does. Some parents have gone through the process of testing their child and feel that they want to give their children as much information as possible about their genes, so they can better manage their health (Borry, 2014). It is clear that predictive testing for low penetrance variants does not cause the same ethical, psychological, or emotional concerns as predictive testing for highly penetrant monogenic conditions but there is still a chance for damage. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to consider all aspects of the child’s well-being before consenting to have the child tested as it can also have an impact on their psychosocial
In this essay, the author
- Explains that about 1.38 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually around the world. genetic counseling and testing are offered to high-risk patients.
- Opines that testing lindsay for the brca1 mutation would not be appropriate at this time because of her age. however, there are not many companies that offer testing for children.
- Explains that predictive genetic testing is surrounded by values that emphasize the best interests of minors, voluntary choice, autonomy, informed decision-making, and respect for privacy.
- Agrees with the statement that children need to be older to make their own decisions about their lives.
- Explains the role of rapid genetic testing for brca1 and -2 mutations and the consequences for treatment strategies.
813 wordsRead More - Gene Sequencing Essayexplanatory essay...might say about them; family members who did not request the testing may want to stay ignorant of the possible health implication such testing would provide. If the data collected is considered alarming but uncertain or not actionable, an individual does not necessarily have the right to know (Henderson, 2012). If genetic information is shared and put into the wrong hands, there is a chance for discrimination. Employers, insurance companies, educational institutions, and banks could use this information to make decisions about an individual based on what their genetic blueprint says about them. There are currently no state or federal laws governing the use of genomic sequencing data. Specific laws designed to protect genetic information only address where and by whom information is collected; it does not offer privacy protection to individuals (Gutmann, 2012).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the human genome project was started by the national institutes of health and the department of energy. the goal was to have a complete picture of the human genome in order to discover the role genes play in the development of diseases.
- Explains that the human genome project led to the discovery of more than 1,800 disease genes and there are now over 2,000 genetic tests to enable individuals to know their genetic risks and help doctors diagnose disease.
- Opines that there are ethical implications to human gene sequencing that could dissuade a person from having this done.
- Describes the advantages and disadvantages of human gene sequencing before diving into ethical issues.
- Explains that gene sequencing could lead to the improved treatment of diseases. the analysis of certain disease-carrying genes could help identify disease vulnerability in order to identify the most appropriate drug treatment.
- Opines that having an individual’s genes sequenced also has the potential of benefiting others.
- Describes the disadvantages of human gene sequencing, including the potential for misplaced blame and undue stress within families, and the cost.
- Opines that the findings of gene sequencing do not mean results. the discovery of minimal or no disease carrying genes does not necessarily mean an individual will not develop any diseases.
- Explains that genome sequencing raises privacy stakes because it involves examining and sharing large amounts of biological and medical information that is not only unique to a single person but also has implications for blood relatives.
815 wordsRead More - Patented DNA: An Ethical Issueexplanatory essayIn the United States, if someone needs to have a DNA test done, there is a possibility that it has been patented by a DNA research company. The problem with this is that it can raise the cost of a DNA test from about two hundred dollars, to over two thousand, depending on the test being done. Up to forty-one percent of the genes in your body are actually owned by another company, and are not legally owned by yourself. In particular, Myriad Genetics holds a patent in the BRCA1 and the BRCA2 gene, also owning at least fifteen nucleotides of BRCA1. The owning of these genes is significant because a defective BRCA1 gene can make one much more likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer, up to an eighty five or ninety percent chance. In addition, the BRCA1 gene appears in over 689 other genes that affect many other parts of the body such as brain and heart function. These genes were patented by Myriad in the 90s, shortly after their ability to be patented. When a doctor takes blood from a patient, immediately after it is drawn, Myriad owns it, and it must be sent to them for testing. The problem with patenting DNA is that technically speaking, you don’t “own” part of your own body, the genetic code that makes up who you are; rather a company does, and controls what is done with it and how it is tested. Biological patents are not limited to humans, they extend to the cattle industry, which leads to another problem in itself, the genetic engineering of cows and other animals.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that if someone needs a dna test done, it can raise the cost of the test from about two hundred dollars, to over two thousand. biological patents are not limited to humans, they extend to the cattle industry.
- Explains that patenting genes, dna, and other organic material falls into the category of medical ethics. the first known biological patent in the united states was for a purified form of adrenaline.
- Explains that the 1970s were arguably the first time dna was patented, although it was considered a biotechnological invention.
- Explains that patenting of genetically modified organisms has become more common after the 1980 court case. the supreme court ruled that genetic patents of dna existing in the body were unpatentable.
- Explains that the ethics behind patenting biology and bioethics can relate to the secular ethical systems of aristotle and kant.
- Explains aristotle's character types, which are the way in which people act in a given situation. they conclude that human beings have two parts to them, the rational and non-rational.
- Opines that dna patents would be supported by research and pharmaceutical companies because it would allow them to earn money and learn more about how the gene functions.
- Analyzes how aristotle values the idea of virtue in his moral system, as he believes that happiness is not possible without it. the patents themselves benefit a select few, while they harm the unlucky ones.
- Explains that the character types are divided into four major types: continent, incontinent, virtuous, and vicious. aristotle would view the continent individuals as the people who are against the patenting of dna.
2507 wordsRead More - Taking an Active Role in Health Care by Learning About Genetic Predisposition for Different Illnessesanalytical essay...C tests. One theme cited was “recreation,” which leads to the speculation that the consumer is not well aware of the implications of the testing. Unexpected results can lead to more stress and anxiety, especially if they are not followed up by counseling services with an informed health practitioner. The research paper brings light to the fact that genetic testing is not always taken seriously, which may lead to further undue anxiety when the consequences of the testing become apparent.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the research paper summarized mutation types and detection techniques and gave a good review of patterns of inheritance. they emphasize the importance of accurate testing and diagnosis, especially in children.
- Analyzes a case study that highlights the importance of pre and post counseling. the client was confused about the dtc results and needed help deciphering them.
- Opines that the research paper contributed one important note which may be overlooked. dtcs can lead to increased anxiety in the case of false positives, but there is also the risk of having a false negative and therefore false reassurance.
- Analyzes how the research paper outlines the many reasons a consumer may elect to purchase dtc tests. unexpected results can lead to more stress and anxiety if not followed up by counseling services with an informed health practitioner.
- Explains that the research paper outlines common mutation detection methods used in genetic counseling to uncover preexisting genetic conditions.
- Analyzes the case of a client who underwent elective direct-to-consumer (dtc) genetic testing in the absence of genetic counseling.
- Evaluates direct-to-consumer (dtc) testing and argues that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
- Outlines the main motivations for the general public to purchase direct-to-consumer (dtc) tests.
- Opines that by learning about their genetic predisposition for different illnesses, they will be better prepared to take an active role in future health care decisions.
1282 wordsRead More - Gattac Movie Analysisopinion essayDNA testing has always been the stuff of science fiction. The idea that you could see a person’s entire genetic code and maybe even manipulate it to make a perfect person, like in the movie Gattaca, was farfetched. DNA sequencing is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Since 1987 scientist have been able to find a crude DNA code. In 1990 the “Human Genome” project started and took thirteen years to complete. Since then DNA sequencing has improved in leaps and bounds. Before seeing DNA codes was not something that the average person could do. Now we have smaller versions of DNA tests that are used by police and for hereditary tests. These tests do not show an entire genetic code but they can be a pretty good match. Now people (who can afford
In this essay, the author
- Opines that dna sequencing has improved in leaps and bounds since 1987, when scientists were able to find a crude dna code.
- Explains that sequencing dna is still relatively new and the machines that can read an entire genetic code have only started to come about in the past few years and will continue to develop.
339 wordsRead More - Genetic Engineering is NOT Ethicalanalytical essayAbstract: Recent developments in genomic research have enabled humans to manipulate the genes of living organisms with genetic engineering. This poses a threat to nature's carefully balanced environment, since humans are constructing organisms that nature never intended to exist. Furthermore, the United States government does not require that genetically altered foods be labeled as such. Is this ethically responsible? Should we continue with these scientific advances if we do not understand their consequences? This paper analyzes the above questions.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how genomic research has enabled humans to manipulate the genes of living organisms with genetic engineering. this poses a threat to nature's carefully balanced environment.
- Asks whether it is ethical to change living organisms to better satisfy our own needs, or is it environmentally sound? many companies have made large profits on genetically altered materials.
- Explains that genetic engineering is likened to individual computer programs or routines for human development. manipulating this code is hacking into a system to which we do not have access.
- Argues that genetic engineering is unethical and should be stopped without sufficient testing or knowledge of repercussions.
- Explains that humans were able to change a natural organism to correct their mistakes. by creating these new bacteria, we could rid the world's water supplies of toxic chemicals.
- Argues that genetic engineering removes the enormity and power of nature and attempts to eliminate the humility that humans feel in relation to it.
- Argues that the fda does not believe it is necessary to warn consumers of genetically engineered foods.
- Explains that the majority of commercially used genetic engineering is in the agricultural sector. it damages ecosystems that nature intended to be kept in careful balance.
- Analyzes the ethical dilemma that arises when robots are built to resemble humans, and when human genes are spliced into other living organisms, at what point does that organism lose its identity and become human too?
- Opines that if humans were able to play god, our world would change. this would create a complex of biological superiority, which could be dangerous in all spheres.
- Opines that it is detrimental to go ahead with science until we experience serious disadvantages.
- Cites epstein, ron, grogan, and long. "the problem with genetic engineering."
1625 wordsRead More