Key Ethical Issues in Prenatal Genetics: An Overview

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;45(1):127-141. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Dec 9.

Abstract

The clinical integration of prenatal genetic technologies raises a series of important medical and ethical considerations for patients, families, health care providers, health care systems, and society. It is critical to recognize, understand, and address these issues in conjunction with the continued development of new prenatal genetic screens and tests. This article discusses some of the lead ethical issues as a starting point to further understanding their ramifications on patients, families, communities, and health care providers.

Keywords: Clinical translation; Ethical issues; Genetic tests; Informed consent; Patient decision making.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling / ethics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing / ethics*
  • Health Services Accessibility / ethics
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent / ethics*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / ethics*